1905 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



DD0D31'^7fll5 




r ,1 





^"^ .'.^fe.'. -^Z ,.;^^»„ u^4' ' 



O- ^ 





^Ao^ 



L^ 




P-, ^ 















■.-«•' 



















MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 



A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS 



BY 



HENRY ARTHUR JONES 



THE MACMILLAN COMPANY 

London, MACMILLAN & CO., Ltd. 
1905 

All Rights Reserved 



'l 



fwii Copies rtsxeiveu 

mn 16 1905 







AAC. Koi 



Copyright, 1905 

By henry ARTHUR JONES 



Set up and electrotyped 
Published, February, iQoj 



THE MASON PRESS 

SYRACUSE • NEW YOkK 



PERSONS REPRESENTED. 

Sir Daniel (Mr. Justice) Carteret. 

Lionel Carteret, his adopted son. 

Canon Bonsey, vicar of Siinningwater. 

Mr. Bulsom-Porter. 

Mr. James Risby. 

Mr. Fendick, a private inquiry agent. 

Adams, butler at Lady Eastney's. 

Wilson, butler at Sir Daniel's. 

Mrs. Dane. 

Mrs. Bulsom-Porter. 

Janet Colquhoun, niece to Lady Eastney. 

Lady Eastney. 



The whole of the action takes place at Sumtingwater, 
about twenty-five vtiles from London, in the present day. 



ACT I. 

Scene — The Blue Drawing- Room at Lady Eastney's. 
Night. 



ACT II. 

Scene— The Same on an Afternoon Two or Three 
Weeks Later. 



ACT III. 

Scene— Library at Sir Daniel's on the Following 
Wednesday Afternoon. 



ACT IV. 
Scene— The Same, on the following Saturday Evening. 



The following is a copy of the playbill of the first per- 
formance of Mrs. Dane's Defence at Wyndham's 
Theater, London : 



On Tuesday, October qth, 1900, at 8.15, 
and following evenings at 8.30, 
Will be presented an Original Play, in Four Acts, en- 
titled, 

MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE. 

By Henry Arthur Jones. 



Sir Daniel (Mr. Justice) 

Carteret Mr. Charles Wyndham 

Lionel Carteret (his adopted 

Son) Mr. Alfred Kendrick 

Canon Bonsey Mr. Alfred Bishop 

Mr. Bulsom-Porter .... Mr. E. W. Garden 

Mr. James Risby Mr. Charles Thursby 

Fendick (a private Inquiry 

Agent) Mr. Stanley Pringle 

Adams (Butler to Lady 

Eastney) Mr. Reginald Walter 

Wilson (Butler to Sir Dan- 
iel) Mr. Charles Terric 

Mrs. Dane Miss Lena Ashwell 

Mrs. Bulsom-Porter . . . Miss Marie Illington 

Janet Colquhoun .... Miss Beatrice Irwin 

Lady Eastney Miss Mary Moore 



SYNOPSIS OF SCENERY 



ACT I 



Scene the blue drawing-room at Lady Eastney's- 
night. 



Scene, the same on Saturday afternoon nearly three 
weeks later. 

ACT III 

Scene, the library at Sir Daniel's on the following- 
Wednesday afternoon. 

ACT IV 

Scene, the same on the following Saturday evening. 



The action takes place at Sunningwater about twenty- 
five miles from London. 

Time — The Present. 



ACT I 

Scene — The Blue Drawing-room at Lady East- 
ney' s, SuNNiNGWATER. A vcry brightly-fumished room 
in a country house about twenty miles from London. 
A conservatory all along stage at back, entered by doors. 
French windows, right, opening upon veranda and 
lawn. Door up stage, left, leading into large drawing- 
room. This door opens off and is partly covered with 
a curtain. When it is open, a buzz of conversation as 
from a reception is heard. Fireplace down stage, left. 
Time : after dinner on a night in July. The doors are 
all open. A violin is played off left, as if it were two 
rooms away. Mrs. Bulsom- Porter, a lady of forty-five, 
enters left, showing great irritation. She seats herself, 
right, on sofa, and fans herself. A moment or two later, 
Mr. Bulsom-Porter enters by the same door. He is a 
flabby, affable, easy-going English gentleman about fifty. 
He looks round cautiously to see that he is not followed, 
then closes the door softly and comes up to his wife. 

BuLSOM-PoRTER. (A qtitcf, dmu'ling, good- 
humoured utterance. ) It's a mystery to me, Hen- 
rietta, that we can't arrange to celebrate these little 
domestic battles on our own domestic hearth. 

Mrs. Bul.-P. I warn you that if you continue 

A I 



2 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act i 

to pay such marked attention to that woman, I 
shall tell the whole neighbourhood her history. 

BuL.-P. You will please hold your tongue 
about Mrs. Dane. Jim says that he is mistaken, 
and that she is not the lady he knew in Vienna. 

Mrs. Bul.-P. He is only saying that to shelter 
her. The fact is, she is leading Jim by the nose, 
the same as she is leading you and young Carteret ; 
and it only remains to be seen which of the three 
will be her victim. 

BuL.-P. Well, I trust I shall be the lucky fel- 
low, but I'm afraid the odds are on Lionel Car- 
teret, and I shall come in a bad third. 

Mrs. Bul.-P. At least you might have the 
good taste to try and hide your infidelities ! 

BuL.-P. My dear, you may depend, when I 
have any, I shall. Now, suppose we get back to 
the others ? 

Mrs. Bul.-P. You wish to get back to that 
woman ? 

BuL.-P. I wish to get back to Lady Eastney 
and the other guests. 

Mrs. Bul.-P. You admire this Mrs. Dane? 

BuL.-P. (cordially, going off left), Very much 
indeed. 

Mrs. Bul.-P. (stopping him). Why do you 
admire her ? 

BuL.-P. Because she has a pretty face, a soft 
voice, and a charming manner. 



ACT I MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 3 

Mrs. Bul.-P. Of course ! Mere physical 
charms! What horribly disgusting minds men 
must have ! 

BuL.-P. We have ! Give us up ! Wash your 
hands of us, and let us go our own v^icked ways. 
(Going.) 

Mrs. Bul.-P. (still stopping him). To what 
extent do you admire her? 

BuL.-P. To the extent of very much prefer- 
ring her company to yours when you're in one of 
these unreasonable jealous fits. Now, will you 
oblige me by returning to the drawing-room ? 

(He opens the door, left. Enter by it 
Mr, James Risby, an ordinary Eng- 
lishman about thirty-five.) 

Mrs. Bul.-P. I shall not speak to that 
woman 

BUL.-P. Hush ! 

(Closes door sharply after Risby.) 

RiSBY. My dear aunt, Fm leaving for Paris 
to-morrow morning, and before I go I want to 
put you right on a little matter. 

Mrs. Bul.-P. You mean Mrs. Dane? 

Risby. Exactly. When I first saw her at Sir 
Daniel Carteret's a fortnight ago, I thought I 
recognized her 

Mrs. Bul.-P. You did recognize her. 

Risby. T was mistaken. 



4 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act i 

Mrs. Bul.-P. You told me she was the Miss 
Hindemarsh who was connected with a disgrace- 
ful scandal in Vienna five years ago. I particu- 
larly watched your manner, and I'm sure you were 
speaking the truth. 

RiSBY. I was speaking the truth — as I sup- 
posed. And therefore my manner carried con- 
viction. But I am now speaking the truth when I 
tell you I was mistaken. I trust my manner car- 
ries equal conviction. 

(Looking at her very fixedly.) 

Mrs. Bul.-P. {Looks at him very fixedly for 
a few moments.) No, Jim; I do not and cannot 
believe you. 

RiSBY. Fm sorry. However, the fact re- 
mains, my dear aunt, that I have inadvertently in- 
jured a very charming woman 

Mrs. Bul.-P. Of course! A very charming 
woman ! That's the reason you withdraw your 
accusation. 

RiSBY. I made no accusation. And if you 
have repeated what I told you in the strictest con- 
fidence about Mrs. Dane, I must beg you to put 
the matter right at once. For if you give me as 
your authority I shall have to explain that I was 
mistaken, that consequently you were mistaken, 
and further, that from this moment, you are fully 
aware that you are mistaken. 



ACT I MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 5 

Mrs. Bul.-P. I'm not fully aware that Tm 
mistaken. 

BuL.-P. What does it matter whether you're 
mistaken or no? Suppose Mrs. Dane is Miss 
Hindemarsh, what then ? 

Mrs. Bul.-P. What then? Do you consider 
her fit to mix in the society of your wife? 

BuL.-P. I daresay she's as fit as nine out of 
ten of the women you meet if the truth were only 
known. {To Risby.) What was the exact story 
of this Miss Hindemarsh ? 

Risby. Oh, the eternal trio! Dramatis per- 
soncB, Mr. Horace Trent, charming, devoted, mid- 
dle-aged husband ; Mrs. Horace Trent, charming, 
devoted, middle-aged wife ; Felicia Hindemarsh, 
charming, devoted, youthful governess to their 
children and companion to Mrs. Trent; the whole 
forming a truly happy family, who passed the 
autumn at the Italian lakes, and returned by 
Vienna at the time I was an attache there five 
years ago. During their stay in Vienna, charm- 
ing, middle-aged wife discovers a liaison between 
charming, middle-aged husband and charming, 
youthful governess ; and instead of sensibly pack- 
ing ofif missy with a month's salary and saying no 
more about it, charming, middle-aged wife, being 
a neurotic creature, commits suicide. Charming, 
middle-aged husband is naturally horrified, and 
also refrains from doing the sensible thing — in 



6 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act i 

fact, goes out of his mind, and is at present in an 
asylum in the north of England. Missy does the 
sensible thing and disappears. The story is 
hushed up as far as possible, but the moral re- 
mains : "Upon the verge of such a tragedy may 
any one of us poor innocents be treading at this 
moment." {Takes out zvatch.) Adieu, auntie. 
I have to catch an early train to town to-morrow 
morning. 

Mrs. Bul.-P. You are sure Mrs. Dane is not 
Miss Hindemarsh? 

RiSBY. Quite sure. 

( The violin ceases and there is some ap- 
plause. ) 

Mrs. Bul.-P. She doesn't resemble Miss 
Hindemarsh ? 

RiSBY (after a pause). There is a slight re- 
semblance. Perhaps I should say a considerable 
resemblance. 

Mrs. Bul.-P. (after looking at him -fixedly for 
a moment). Jim, I shall fully inquire into this 
Mrs. Dane's antecedents 

BuL.-P. What for? What business is it of 
yours to rake up old scandals? It's five years 
ago, and — — 

Enter, left, Mrs. Dane, a pretty, soft-voiced, dark 
little zvoman about twenty-eight. They show 
some embarrassment at her entrance. With 



ACT I MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 7 

some little hesitation Mrs. Dane comes up to 
Mrs. Bulsom-Porter. 

Mrs. D. Lady Eastney has a great find in her 
new violinist, don't you think ? 

Mrs. Bul.-P. (coldly). Really, I didn't hear 
her. (Going left.) Ah, I see she is going to 
play again. Alfred (to Bulsom-Porter) I very 
much want you to hear this. (Goes off, turning, 
comes back a step.) Alfred, come and listen. I 
want to decide whether we shall engage this lady 
for our garden party. 

(She waits at door, left, till he comes up, 
then goes off. Bulsom-Porter fol- 
lows reluctantly, exchanging a little 
shrug and grin with Risby. After 
they have gone off there is a little 
pause. The violin begins again and 
the buc2 of conversation in the next 
room ceases. Risby goes to door, 
left, closes it. Mrs. Dane has been 
zmtching him a little furtively. Hav- 
ing' closed the door he comes np io 
her.) 

Risby. My dear Mrs. Dane, when one has in- 
advertently made a mistake, the best way is to 
own up at once. 

Mrs. D. Yes ? Who has made a mistake ? 



8 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act i 

RiSBY. I have — a stupid, ill-natured, idiotic 
mistake. You remember when I first met you ? 

Mrs. D. {glances at him very quickly). At Sir 
Daniel Carteret's, a fortnight ago. 

RiSBY {after a slight pause). Yes. Do you 
know I thought then that we had met before ? 

Mrs. D. Indeed ? Where ? 

RiSBY. In Vienna five years ago. 

Mrs. D. I have never been in Vienna. 

RiSBY. No. The second time I saw you I 
was convinced I was mistaken. But in the mean- 
time — I scarcely know how to confess my folly — 
I had thoughtlessly told my aunt, Mrs. Bulsom- 
Porter, that I recognized you. 

]Mrs. D. I've noticed that Mrs. Bulsom-Porter 
seems to avoid me. You must have told her I 
was some very wicked person. Whom does she 
suppose me to be ? 

RiSBY. You have some resemblance to a Miss 
Felicia Hindemarsh 

Mrs. D. Who is she ? 

RiSBY. She was connected with an unfortu- 
nate afifair in Vienna five years ago. {Pause. ) 

]\Irs. D. And does Mrs. Bulsom-Porter really 
think I am this — ^this Miss what's-her-name ? 

RiSBY. I have assured her you are not. 

Mrs. D. Thank you. What would you advise 
me to do ? 



ACT I MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 9 

RiSBY. I am obliged to leave for Paris to-mor- 
row morning on my way to Switzerland. If you 
find yourself in any difficulty, write to me and I 
AVill reply in such a way that there can be no 
doubt. 

Mrs. D. Thank you. You're very good. 

RiSBY. Not at all. I can't tell you how 
vexed I am to have made such a horrible mistake. 
But having- made it, I thought it better to put you 
on your guard. Good-bye. (Offering hand.) 

Mrs. D. Good-bye. 

(He goes a fezu steps; then returns.) 

RiSBY. Mrs. Dane, if you think of passing the 
winter away from Sunningwater, I have the most 
delightful little villa near Mentone — untenanted — 
I should be pleased to place it at your disposal. 

Mrs. D. No, thank you. Why should I leave 
Sunningwater? 

RiSBY. Is there anything I can do for you be- 
fore I start ? 

Mrs. D. Will you tell Sir Daniel and Mr. Car- 
teret that I am not this lady ? 

RiSBY (after a moment or two's deliberation.) 
Believe me, it will be better to let the matter drop 
entirely, unless it is raised by others. (He goes 
to door left, opens it, looks off.) Lady Eastney 
is busy. I'll slip round by the conservatory and 
send her a little note of adieu. Again, good-bye. 



10 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act i 

Mrs. D. Good-bye. I may always reckon 
you my friend ? 

RiSBY. (Shakes her hand warmly.) Rely 
on me. 

{Exit by conservatory. She watches him 
off; then in anxious deliberation walks 
up and down the room for a few mo- 
ments.) 

Enter, left, Lionel Carteret, a fresh, bright, en- 
thusiastic, clear-complexioned English lad of 
twenty-four. He closes the door after him. 

Lal. Mrs. Dane, if I ask you a question will 
you answer me truthfully instead of telling me a 
polite fib ? 

Mrs. D. {after showing a little alarm). Ask 
me the question. 

Lal. You seem to be keeping out of my way, 
trying not to give me a chance of speaking to you 
alone. {She shows delight when she sees his 
drift. ) And the other night at our place you were 
so different; you seemed to like my company. 
Have I offended you ? 

Mrs. D. No. 

Lal. Then why have you changed ? For you 
have changed. 

Mrs. D. Perhaps I was a little foolish last 
Wednesday. 



ACT I MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE ll 

Lal. No! no! You don't know what I felt 
that night! I waited outside youF window till 
past midnight, then I tramped about the country 
till three, then the birds began to wake and sing 
and I whistled back their songs to them ; then I 
went down to the river and had a swim ; then I 
came back to the house and plundered the larder 
and ate up everything in it; then I went to the 
stables and saddled Moon Daisy, and galloped her 
all round the park; then I came back and had 
another breakfast, and then I kept just mad with 
happiness all the rest of the day ! 

Mrs. D. {She has listened with great delight, 
keeping her face away from him.) I see I was 
very foolish. 

Lal. No. Why? 

Mrs. D. Believe me, a friendship between us 
wouldn't be for your good. 

Lal. It isn't friendship I want. 

Mrs. D. {Delighted.) What else can it be? 
You're twenty-four. Vm twenty-seven. That 
means many years between us, and there will be 
more as we grow older. 

Lal {shaking his head). You will always be 
the same age that I am — the very same day, the 
very same hour. 

Mrs. D. {She smiles and shakes her head.) 
But you know nothing of me? 

Lal. I know you as you know yourself. 



12 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act i 

Mrs. D. (a little cautiously). Do you? How? 

Lal. My heart has told me all. 

Mrs. D. Perhaps your heart has spoken 
falsely. 

Lal. You shan't persuade me that you aren't 
exactly what I want you to be. 

Mrs. D. (Shozvs great delight.) Perhaps my 
best self isn't very far from that. But then we 
have so many different selves, haven't we ? 

Lal. You have but your own self, and that is 
the one I know. 

Mrs. D. Then that is the particular self you 
must always believe me to be. It will do no harm 
when we are parted. 

Lal. Parted ? 

Mrs. D. Did you notice Sir Daniel looking at 
us down the table at dinner? He was thinking, 
"I must get Lionel away from Mrs. Dane." And 
he has made up his mind to do it. 

Lal. He won't wish to part us when he knows 
how much I love you. 

Mrs. D. You haven't told him ? 

Lal. No. The truth is, a year ago I thought 
I was in love with Miss Colquhoun. But Lady 
Eastney and my father said she was too young. 

Mrs. D. So it was broken ofif ? 

Lal. We were to wait a year, and then if we 
were both of the same mind, we were to be for- 
mally engaged. 



ACT I MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 13 

Mrs. D. And is Miss Colquhoun of the same 
mind? 

Lal. Janet? I don't know. I only know it 
would be a sin to be engaged to her while I love 
you as I do. 

Mrs. D. Vm afraid of Sir Daniel. 

Lal. Why? 

Mrs. D. I suppose his reputation frightens me. 

Lal. They say he's the pleasantest judge that 
ever hanged a man. 

Mrs. D. Mr. Risby was telling us about some 
famous cross-examination — something about a 
forger. 

Lal. Oh, Kettleby, the forger-murderer. On 
the morning of his execution Kettleby said that to 
have heard my father's cross-examination of his 
witnesses was very well worth being hanged for. 

Mrs. D. Then do you wonder I'm rather 
afraid of Sir Daniel ? 

Lal. You needn't be. In private he's the 
dearest, kindest-hearted man. And when he 
knows that the happiness of my whole life depends 
upon you, I'm sure he won't withhold his consent. 

Mrs. D. He isn't your own father ? 

Lal. No, but if he were I couldn't love him 
more than I do. 

Mrs. D. But if he doesn't think me suitable ; if 
after consideration he says "No" ? 

Lal. Then I'll marry you and disobey him.. 



14 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act i 

Mrs. D. Are you sure of yourself? 

Lal. Try me. 

Mrs. D. (after some consideration). No. Vm 
very proud and happy to be loved as you love me. 
But I won't come between you and your father. 

Lal. But if I can get his consent ? 

Enter, left. Sir Daniel (Mr. Justice) Carteret, 
about fifty-five. A pause of embarrassment. 
Sir Daniel is sauntering off at back. 

Mrs. D. We are missing all the music 

SirD. {Turns.) It's worth hearing. Made- 
moiselle Lemonier is just going to play. 

Mrs. D. Thank you. I want to hear her 

{Exit Mrs. Dane, left. Lal is following her.) 

Sir D. Lal ! (Lal stops. Sir Daniel closes 
the door, left. Piano faintly heard through fol- 
lozving scene.) I've spoken to Sir Robert Jen- 
nings to take you out as assistant to him on this 
new Egyptian railway. 

Lal. I'd rather not leave England just now, 
sir. 

Sir D. {very firmly). I wish it. 

Lal. Why, sir ? 

Sir D. {very affectionately putting his hand on 
Lal's shoulder) . My dear boy, to stop you from 
making an unhappy fool of yourself. 

Lal. In what way, sir ? 



ACT I MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 1$ 

Sir D. When I came up to London to read for 
the bar, I fell very desperately in love with my 
landlady*s sister, a lady some six years older and 
some two stone heavier than myself. She was in 
the mantle business and wore a large crinoline. 
I used to call her my Bonnie Louisa. My father 
got wind of it, came up to town and promptly 
shattered our applecart ; sent Bonnie Louisa flying 
to Paris, and packed me off on a judicial commis- 
sion to India. 

Lal. I don't see the point of the story, sir. 

Sir D. Twelve years after, I happened to be 
coming down the Edgware Road on a Sunday 
morning, and I met Bonnie Louisa with a hus- 
band and five children, sailing along the pavement, 
all in their Sunday best. 

Lal. Still, I don't see the point, sir. 

Sir D. I did ! I hurried to church and de- 
voutly thanked Heaven that my father had had the 
sense and courage to do for me what I'm trying 
to do for you to-night. (Very firmly.) Now 
my boy, you'll take this post under Sir Robert Jen- 
nings. 

Lal. I can't leave her, sir. I love her so 
much. 

Sir D. But a year ago you loved Janet Col- 
quhoun. 

Lal. I thought I loved Janet. I'm sure I love 
Mrs. Dane. 



i6 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act i 

Sir D. My dear Lai, in a year you'll be sure 
you love somebody else, and you'll think you loved 
Mrs. Dane. ("Lal shakes his head. Sir Daniel 
shakes his more vigorously still.) Yes, yes, my 
boy. Bonnie Louisa, Janet Colquhoun, Juliet 
Capulet — the divine illusion is always the same — 
and it always ends unhappily. 

Lal. It always ends unhappily ? 

Sir D. Or in bathos, which is far worse. 
Rather than that, let us be thankful when the red- 
hot plough-share is driven right through our 
hearts, or when we have the pluck to drive it 
through ourselves. Now, Lal, I want you to leave 
England at once. 

Lal. I'm very sorry. I can't, unless — unless 
Airs. Dane goes with me. (Sir Daniel looks as- 
tonished and indignant.) I've asked her to be 
my wife. (Sir Daniel stands perplexed, hurt.) 

Sir D. You might have told me first, Lal. 

Lal. Forgive me, sir. I meant to, but my 
heart was so full, and the words slipped out. 
You're angry with me ? 

SmT). {very kindly). No, my boy. {Pause.) 
Has she accepted you ? 

Lal. She will — if you consent. 

Sir D. How long have you cared for her? 

Lal. From the very first day I met her. 

Sir D. Two months ago. Has she told you 
anything of her people ? 



ACT I MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 17 

Lal. No. 

Sir D. Circumstances ? position ? 

Lal. No. 

Sir D. Where she has lived all her life ? 

Lal. She happened to say that she had spent 
some years in Canada. 

Sir D. Come, that's something. There was a 
Mr. Dane — who was he ? 

Lal. I don't know. 

Sir D. Hasn't she mentioned him? 

Lal. Naturally not. 

Sir D. Naturally not. Still there was a Mr. 
Dane, and he remains a factor in the situation. 
Has she told you her age ? 

Lal. Twenty-seven. 

Sir D. Twenty-seven? I should have said a 
year or so older. 

Lal. She wouldn't tell me a lie. 

SirD. No? 

Lal. a woman doesn't tell a lie to the man 
she loves. Why do you smile? 

Sir D. My dear Lal, fifty women out of a hun- 
dred have no notion of what truth means, and 
don't bother about it. The other fifty have the 
rudiments of a truth-sense in various stages of 
development, and will generally tell the truth 
where their own Interests don't clash. But in 
matters of love, there isn't one woman in a hun- 
dred — there isn't one woman in a thousand, that, 

B 



i8 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act i 

when she's put to it, won't lie right and left, up 
and down, backwards and forwards, to the man 
she loves, for the man she loves, with the man she 
loves, about the man she loves, to gain her ends, 
and keep the man she loves. 

Lal. You have a very low opinion of women, 
sir. 

Sir D. I have a very high opinion of them — 
in matters of strategy. 

Lal. You won't stand in my way, sir? 
Think, sir, has there never been a time in your life 
when you would have thrown up everything, just 
for the right of calling one woman your own ? 

Sir D. {is moved by his appeal; takes the hand 
he is holding out; shakes it warmly.) I won't 
stand in your way, Lal. 

Lal. Thank you, sir. You've always been 
better than a dozen fathers to me. 

Sir D. I won't stand in your way — unless 
there's some good reason why you shouldn't 
marry her. 

Lal. What reason can there be? You don't 
know anything against her ? 

Sir D. No. Still it's a little strange that she 
has lived in Sunningwater some months and no- 
body seems to know anything about her. Have 
you said anything to Janet ? 

Lau No. I thought it better to let her guess 



ACT I MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 19 

— from my manner. You know, sir, there was no 
engagement between us. 

Sir D. I'm sorry. I hope this business won't 
twist poor little Janet's heartstrings. 

Enter, left, Lady Eastney^ about thirty, bright, 
fashionable, handsomely dressed. Lal goes up 
to back. 

Lady E. Sir Daniel ! Playing truant here ! 
Everybody will be putting the worst interpreta- 
tion upon it. 

Sir D. What interpretation ? 

Lady E. That I've accepted you at last, and 
that you've come in here to repent and think of the 
best way of getting out of it. {Calls to Lal.) 
Lionel! {He comes down.) The young people 
are getting up a dance ! Look ! Janet is posing 
against that pillar in an attitude of maiden-medita- 
tion fancy-free. Go and ask her to dance with 
you. 

Lal {confused). I'm very sorry, Lady East- 
ney — will you tell her, sir? And will you tell 
Miss Colquhoun ? 

{Exit hurriedly, right. Lady Eastney 
looks at Sir Daniel for an explana- 
tion. ) 

Sir D. It seems that Lal didn't know his own 
mind last year. 



20 :\IRS DANE'S DEFENCE act i 

Lady E. He s going to throw over my Janet 
for Mrs. Dane ? 

Sir D. I'm very sorry (looking left). Here's 
Janet coming to look for him. I think you should 
tell her. 

Lady E. Help me. 

Enter Janet Colouhoun^ ah out eighteen ^ with a 
slight Scotch accent, she saunters towards right. 

Lady E. Aren't you going to dance, Janet? 
Janet. I'm thinking I won't to-night. 
Lady E. But what are all the young men 
doing ? Hasn't anybody asked you ? 

Janet. Oh, I'm not standing out for want of 
partners, but I thought there were plenty of them 
in there to tumble over each other, so I'd just get 
a breath of cool air outside. 

( Going right. Lal Carteret passes out- 
side and takes no notice of her. She 
Pushes tip, shozvs for a moment that 
she is very much hurt, then conquers 
her feelings, and zvith great effort con- 
trols herself during the remainder of 
the scene.) 
Lady E. Janet darling, go and have a dance, 
and don't think anything more about him. 

Janet. Him?! Him?! Which him? (Point- 
ing off to where Lionel Carteret has just gone 



ACT I MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 21 

by. Very contemptuously.) That him? Oh, 
there are plenty of other *'hims" in the world, and 
I'll have a good conceit of myself and not trouble 
about any of them. 

Lady E. {very tenderly). Then you've for- 
gotten all about your little flirtation a year ago ? 

Janet. Flirtation ? 

Lady E. With Mr. Carteret. 

Janet. A year's a long time, isn't it? {To 
Sir Daniel.) I suppose Mr. Carteret has for- 
gotten all about it too. Has he ? 

Sir D. I'm afraid Lai is very much like many 
other young men. 

Janet. You mean he makes love to every girl 
he meets, and then breaks his word to all of them? 

Sir D. No ! No ! But perhaps he was a Httle 
too hasty a year ago. 

Janet. Is there any harm done? 

Sir D. Not unless you have taken it too seri- 
ously. 

Janet. Didn't he wish me to take it seriously? 

Sir D. He did at the time. 

Janet. But now he doesn't ? 

Sir D. He's grieving to think that he has 
caused you pain. 

Janet. Poor fellow! Poor fellow! Do call 
him in and tell him that I'll try and not break my 
heart over him. (Lal passes the door of ver- 
anda.) Mr. Carteret. {Lal enters ^ right.) Sir 



22 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act i 

Daniel and auntie have just reminded me that we 
were very fooUsh a year ago. I've seen so Httle 
of you lately that I'd forgotten all about it. Per- 
haps you've been grieving about it 

Lal. Janet ! 

Janet. Ah, you have ! You won't take it too 
much to heart if I ask you not to think anything 
more of our — our flirtation? I was only seven- 
teen. At seventeen one may change one's mind. 
I've changed my mind, Mr. Carteret. 

Lal. If I've caused you any pain you'll for- 
give me ? 

Janet. Forgive you ? ! And I thought you'd 
be just breaking your heart for me ! Aren't you 
breaking your heart ? 

Lal. Miss Colquhoun, I know I've behaved 
badly. 

Janet (mocking a Scotch peasant's dialect). 
Dinna fash yourself. Ye're a braw laddie, but I'll 
just mak up my mind to do without ye. (A little 
contemptuous curtsey to him. ) Now ! Will you 
dance with me just once for auld lang syne, and 
then I'll not trifle with your feelings any longer, 
Mr. Carteret? 

Lal. If you wish. (Gives her his arm. 
Exeunt, left.) 

Lady E. I'm very angry with Lionel. 

SirD. Why? 



ACT I MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 33 

Lady E. For not seeing where his happiness 
Hes, after I'd planned it out so carefully for him. 

Sir D. Is there any knowing where married 
happiness lies for other people, or even for our- 
selves ? 

Lady E. Apparently not. The happiest mar- 
riage I've ever known was between my old gov- 
erness of forty-six, and a young piano-tuner of 
twenty-two. We all went down on our knees, and 
begged her to see the monstrous unsuitability of 
it ; but she wouldn't ! She would marry the man, 
and the result is she has lived happily every after- 
wards ! 

Sir D. Give me your advice. Lai wants to 
marry this Mrs. Dane 

Lady E. I can't quite forgive her for taking 
him away from Janet, and I can't quite forgive 
Lionel. 

Sir D. Don't be hard on him. Help me to do 
the best for the boy. I don't want him to make a 
mess of his life as I've done of mine. 

Lady E. Have you made a mess of your life ? 

Sir D. Yes, so far as women are concerned. 

Lady E. H'm. {Looks at him very critically.) 
You seem to have thrived very well on it. It can't 
have been a very unpleasant process. I wonder 
how many poor women have been sacrificed in the 
— scrimmage ? 

Sir D. None, I hope. At least — {deep sigh) 



24 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act i 

I've had one great love story. Shall I tell you 
about it ? 

Lady E. I should love to hear, if it isn't too 
sad and too sacred. 

Sir D. I've never told this to anyone. I 
wouldn't tell it to you except — except that you 
know I would gladly give you the right to ask me 
for some knowledge of my past attachments. 

Lady E. I have already the right to ask you, 
the right of friendship, and the right of a woman's 
curiosity. ( Goes to door, left, looks oif.) I think 
I can leave them for five minutes, and I've really 
done my duty to them to-night. (Closes door, 
left.) Now, begin ! Don't spare yourself. Don't 
shock me ; and skip nothing of vital interest. 

Sir D. We'll skip the first thirty-five years of 
my life. 

Lady E. Were they all barren of love stories ? 

Sir D. None of them, after fifteen. But 
what's a boy's love ? 

Lady E. That's what poor Janet is thinking. 

Sir D. When I was just getting into com- 
fortable practice I was thrown very much into the 
company of the wife of one of my clients. We 
grew to love each other deeply, passionately, al- 
most before we were aware of it. We owned our 
love, recognized its hopelessness, and resolved to 
part. We parted, and endured some months of 
banishment worse than death ; then we met again, 



ACT I MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 25 

and after a few mad weeks we determined to make 
our own happiness in our own world. She ar- 
ranged to leave her home and to meet me at Liver- 
pool by a certain train. I had our passages taken, 
and I remember waiting for her, waiting, waiting, 
waiting. She never came. I went back to town 
and found a letter from her. Her boy, her only 
child, was dangerously ill and she had stayed to 
nurse him. She was a deeply religious woman, 
though she loved me, and she had vowed to God 
that if her child's life was spared she would never 
see me again. I was heart-broken, but I sent her 
a message that she had done right. The boy's 
life was spared, I never saw her again. In a 
few months she was dead. I had a big bout or 
two of dissipation, then I pulled myself together 
and worked hammer and tongs, day and night, at 
my profession. I became successful, and met 
other women ; had my affairs with them — I won't 
call them love-affairs — some of them graceful, 
some of them romantic, none of them quite de- 
grading, but all of them empty and heartless. 
And so I frittered away what affections I had left 
in cheap and facile amours ; and all the while her 
tender ghost was standing beside me, whispering, 
'This isn't love ! This isn't love ! You'll never 
love again as you loved me !" I've been success- 
ful and happy after a fashion ; but there has never 
been a moment' since I lost her when I wouldn't 



26 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act i 

have cheerfully bartered every farthing, every 
honour, every triumph I've scored in my profes- 
sion, to stand again on that platform at Liverpool 
and know that she was coming to me. 

Lady E. My poor friend ! 

Sir D. Her husband died, rather badly off, 
fifteen years ago. I took the boy, gave him my 
name, and made him my own. I've been a better 
man for having him, and I love him — I've never 
allowed Lai to see how much I love him — I don't 
think I quite know myself, but the boy is very dear 
to me, very, very dear. 

Lady E. I should like to have been that 
woman. You've made me very jealous of her. 

SirD. Why? 

Lady E. We all long to be the object of an 
undying love, and it so seldom comes off. 

Sir D. Curious I should be telling you all this, 
and at the same time asking you to be my wife. 

Lady E. My dear friend, I've never been so 
near accepting you as I am at this moment. 

SirD. Will you? 

Lady E. Now, if you had that same love to 
offer me 

Sir D. I haven't, and I care for you too much 
to deceive you. But I can give you a very 
genuine attachment, and perfect fidelity. If I 
were to pretend to offer you more I should be 
wronging you. Well ? 



ACT I MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 27 

Lady E. Will you keep the offer open ? 

Sir D. As long as you please. 

Lady E. You shouldn't say that. You should 
make me fear I'm going to lose you if I don't say 
"Yes" this moment. 

Sir D. I'm past fifty. You're not thirty. 
There's no chance of your losing me. Well ? 

Lady E. We'll let the matter stay over again, 
if you don't mind ? 

Sir D. I can wait. Meantime, you under- 
stand now why I want the boy to make a happy 
marriage. Will you help me ? 

Lady E. Yes, with all my heart. What have 
you done so far ? 

Sir D. Tried to laugh him out of it. When I 
found that was impossible I promised him he 
should marry her if we found she was suitable. 
W^hat do you know of her ? 

Lady E. Nothing. I met her at the Canon's. 

Enter, left, very cautiously. Canon Bonsey^ a 
rather jovial, good-natured clergyman about 
sixty; shrewd, plausible, worldly. He enters 
very cautiously, and closes the door behind him. 

Canon B. Dear Lady Eastney, may I intrude 
for one moment? {He comes up rather slozvly 
and mysteriously.) Do you know, I'm rather 
afraid we are going to have another scandal ? 



28 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act i 

Lady E. (quickly). I don't know anything 
about it, Canon. I won't know anything about it. 
And above all, I decline to give a certificate of in- 
jured innocence to any young person who misses 
her last train. Now {inclining her ear to him), 
gently breathe the name of the minx and her vic- 
tim and do, please, keep me out of it this time. 

Canon B. Dear Lady Eastney, you may rely 
I shall do my best to keep everybody out of it — es- 
pecially myself. You haven't heard any whisper 
about one of your guests this evening ? 

Lady E. No — whom ? 

Canon B. Mrs. Dane. 

(Sir Daniel and Lady Eastney ex- 
change looks.) 

Lady E. What of her ? 

Canon B. Ask Mrs. Bulsom-Porter. 

Lady E. Mrs. Bulsom-Porter! How is it 
that everything horrid in this neighbourhood ra- 
diates to and from that woman ! What is she say- 
ing, and how does she know ? 

Canon B. It seems her nephew, Mr. RIsby, 
told her that Mrs. Dane was connected with a very 
ugly scandal in Vienna some years ago. 

Lady E. Where is Mr. Risby? Will you ask 
him to come to me ? 

Enter Adams, left, with letter on tray which he 
brings to Lady Eastney. 



ACT I MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 29 

Adams. From Mr. Risby, my lady. He has 
just gone. 

(Lady EaStney takes letter, reads it. 
Exit Adams.) 

Sir D. You introduced Mrs. Dane to us all. 
Canon. 

Canon B. Yes. She came to church. Of 
course I called on her. I found she played the 
piano divinely, and had been living in Winchester 
for some months, and knew some very nice people 
there whom I knew ; and above all was a very de- 
lightful lady. And when a delightful lady comes 
to church, and subscribes regularly to all the 
parish charities, and has a perfect mastery of the 
piano, and is evidently a very dear sweet creature 
in every way, and a gentlewoman, I don't think 
it's the duty of a clergyman to ask her for refer- 
ences as if she were a housemaid, eh ? 

Sir D. {to Lady Eastney). Does Risby men- 
tion anything of this ? 

Lady E. {who has been reading Risby's letter.) 
No. He only sends me a word of adieu. He has 
gone to town to-night on his way to Switzerland. 

Sir D. {to Canon) . Then you have no knowl- 
edge of Mrs. Dane, whether she is a desirable ac- 
quaintance ? 

Canon B. A woman with such a face, and 
such a figure, and such a divine musician, cannot 
be an undesirable acquaintance. At the same 



30 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act i 

time, as she is to take a stall at the bazaar, and the 
duchess is to open it, I should like to get this little 
matter cleared up. Our dear duchess is not a 
latitudinarian in these matters. What had we bet- 
ter do ? 

Sir D. You are the clergyman of the parish, 
and responsible for her introduction here. 
Oughtn't you to call on her and get to know her 
history ? 

Canon B. My dear Sir Daniel, what would 
happen? If there is anything shady in her past 
life she would omit to mention it. With my easy, 
ingenuous nature I should be a mere baby in her 
hands. No, I think this is a case where your legal 
experience might be of service, eh ? 

Sir D. If she were in the witness-box it might ; 
but she isn't. 

Canon B. Or, as it is essentially a woman's 
question, and as she is your guest, Lady Eastney, 
perhaps you might venture gently — gently to 

Lady E. Invite a lady to dinner, and then ask 
her whether she is fit to mix with my guests ? 

Canon B. H'm ! It's very awkward. What 
is to be done ? 

Lal enters left door quickly. At the same mo- 
ment Mrs. Dane appears in conservatory, left, 
behind a shrub, and gently moves towards cen- 
tre, apparently much engaged zvith the plants 



ACT I MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 31 

Lal (quick, indignant). Lady Eastney, Mrs. 
Bulsom-Porter is circulating a most malicious 
story about Mrs. Dane. I beg you to inquire into 
the matter. (To Sir Daniel.) Sir, you will 
help us ? 

Sir D. (in a hurried whisper). Not here, not 
now. We mustn't have a scene here. Hush ! 

(Pointing to Mrs. Dane in conservatory. 
She comes to centre door, enters, and 
comes down to them. Canon Bon- 
SEY goes off quickly, door right.) 

Sir D. (looking off, left). Ah, Lal, there is Sir 
Robert. Now we can get a word with him about 
'the railway. 

Lal. But, sir 

Sir D. (in a low tone, very peremptory, and tak- 
'ing Lal's arm). If you please, Lal. If you 
please. (Takes Lal off, left.) 

Lady E. They are serving a little supper for 
the late guests. Won't you come and have some ? 

Mrs. D. No, thank you. I'm a little faint. 
I'll stay here. 

(Sits. Lady Eastney goes to door, left, 
looks back, returns to Mrs. Dane.) 

Lady E. Is anything the matter ? 

Mrs. D. No ! No ! What should there be ? 

Lady E. (with meaning). Can I be of any 
service to vou ? 



32 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act i 

Mrs. D. In what way? (Pause — the two 
women look at each other. ) I'm only a little faint. 
Please don't wait. 

Lady E. I'll send my maid to you. Let me 
know if there is anything further I can do. 

(Exit door left. Mrs. Dane watches her 
off furtively, then, after a second or 
two, rises, creeps round at back to be- 
hind the curtain hanging over door, 
left, peeps through, watching, listen- 
ing, with drazvn, frightened face. 
Laughter, buz:: and hum of conversa- 
tion, strains of distant dance music.) 

CURTAIN 



(Nearly three weeks pass between Acts I and 
ID 



ACT II 

Scene — The same. Afternoon. Discover Janet seated 
on sofa at fancy work. She throws down the work, 
bursts into tears, then dries them, goes up to looking- 
glass on wall, stands looking at herself. 



Janet {to herself in the glass.) Ah, you poor 
coward! Aren't you ashamed of yourself? To 
be troubling about a man who has had the bad 
taste to throw you over? Have a better opinion 
of yourself, my poor Janet ! There are as good 
fish in the sea as ever came out of it ! And a bet- 
ter man than Lionel Carteret will come and take 
a fancy to your bonnie, bonnie face ! So dry your 
eyes and bide a wee bit, my lassie. 

Enter Lady Eastney. She comes up to Janet 
and looks in her face. 

Lady E. Janet. 

Janet (faces her, picks up her work). Auntie, 
Fm just sick of staying in England, and wasting 
c 2,3 



34 ^tRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act ii 

my life in such trumpery as this (shaking her work 
ferociously) so I'm going straight out to India ! 

Lady E. India ? 

Janet. The Indian women are fearfully de- 
moralized and ignorant; they don't know how to 
treat their babies, and when the poor wee mites 
come into the world they just perish by the score, 
for the want of a sensible body to teach the 
mothers how to use them. 

Lady E. My dear Janet, if Providence has 
neglected to endow the Indian women with the 
common instincts of maternity, I question if you're 
quite qualified to supply the deficiency. 

Janet. Mrs. Patterson is organizing a mission 
to go there to doctor and civilize the poor crea- 
tures, so I'll just go out and help her to do for 
them. 

Lady E. Janet, I knew you were fretting 

Janet. What will I be fretting about ? 

Lady E. Lionel Carteret. 

Janet {hursts into laughter). Oh, my poor 
little Auntie (kissing her), I'd clean forgotten all 
about the man. 

Lady E. Janet, tell me the truth 

Janet. The truth is, Auntie, that if Mr. Lionel 
Carteret were lying down there on the floor and 
begging me to pick him up, I wouldn't take the 
trouble to stoop down to him, or to any other man- 
body in the world ! There ! 



ACT II MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 35 

Enter Adams^ left, announcing Sir Daniel and 
Mr. Lionel Carteret. Enter Sir Daniel 
and Lal. Exit Adams. 

Janet. How-d'ye-do, Sir Daniel ? How-d'ye- 
do, Mr. Carteret ? 

Lal {confused). How-d'ye-do? 

(Janet takes up her hat which is lying on 
the chair, goes off at back, swinging it 
with an affectation of carelessness. 
Lady Eastney has shaken hands with 
Sir Daniel and Lal.) 

Sir D. Well, how do we stand now ? 

Lady E. The Bulsom-Porters are coming over 
to meet you, and I've asked the Canon to look in. 
They'll be here directly. ( Taking out watch. ) 

Sir D. And then what are we to do? 

Lady E. Talk it over. 

Sir D. Don't you think there's been quite 
enough talking it over the last fortnight ? 

Lady E. We haven't had your assistance. 
Candidly, what is your opinion ? 

Sir D. I have none. I'm waiting for facts. 
Have you heard from Risby ? 

Lady E. Not a word. 

Sir D. What did you say to him ? 

Lady E. I asked him to tell me in the strictest 
confidence all he knew about Mrs. Dane. 

Sir D. And he hasn't replied ? 



36 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act ii 

Lady E. It's only five days ago that I wrote. 
Perhaps my letter hasn't reached him. 

Sir D. Rather strange, isn't it? 

Lal {indignantly). It's much more strange 
that everybody should be saying and believing the 
Voorst of an innocent woman without a shadow of 
proof. 

Sir D. Without a shadow of proof that she is 
innocent. 

Lal. I thought, sir, that English law assumed 
everybody to be innocent until he is proved to be 
guiFty. 

Sir D. I do not assume Mrs. Dane is guilty — 
or innocent. I only say I don't know. 

Lal. Mrs. Dane has done exactly what an in- 
nocent woman naturally would do. 

Sir D. Ah, pardon my inexperience, my dear 
Lal. What does an innocent woman naturally do ? 

Lal. She treats all slander with silent con- 
tempt. She knows her life will stand the test of 
inquiry, and therefore she doesn't stoop to answer 
calumny. 

Sir D. Meantime everybody cuts her. 

Lal. Lady Eastney, if you were in Mrs. 
Dane's place how would you have acted ? 

Sir D. Supposing you were innocent ? 

Lady E. {after a little pause) . I think I should 
have acted exactly as Mrs. Dane has done. 

Sir D. Supposing you were guilty ? 



ACT II MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE Z7 

Lady E. I don't know. 

Sir D. If you were guilty don't you think you 
would try to act exactly in the same way ? And 
whether you succeeded, would depend, not so 
much upon your guilt or your innocence, as upon 
your self-control, and how far you had cultivated 
the woman's gift for acting. Guilt is the natural 
and necessary mimic of innocence as hypocrisy is 
the natural and necessary mimic of virtue; and 
just as nature is always ready to lend a mimic- 
skin of protection to any beast or bird or insect 
that needs its shelter, so she is always ready to 
lend the sheepskin of innocence to any criminal 
that's clever enough to draw it over him. 

Lal. Criminal ! You are speaking, sir, of the 
lady whom I have asked to be my wife. 

Sir D. Not at all. I am speaking generally. 
For all I know, Mrs. Dane is the most innocent 
and virtuous lady in the world. 

Lal. But you don't believe she is ? 

Sir D. I have no means of judging. The lady 
knows that her reputation is being torn to rags. 
She doesn't put the matter in her lawyer's hands. 
She avoids, or seems to avoid, meeting me ; she 
gives you a few very vague details of her past life, 
and then wraps herself in a mantle of injured in- 
nocence 

Lal. {very indignantly). Injured innocence! 
{To Sir Daniel). I asked you for your help to 



38 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act ii 

clear the woman who is dearer to me than my Hfe 
from a lying slander, and you insinuate that she is 
a criminal and a hypocrite! {Seizes his hat.) I 
will never again ask you for the smallest favour 
as long as I live. I give you back your name, and 
I take my own to offer it to her. Good-day, Sir 
Daniel Carteret. (Going off.) 

Lady E. Lionel! {He doesnt stop.) Lionel! 
{He half stops.) Lionel! {He stops.) You 
want Mrs. Dane's reputation to be cleared. Don't 
you think Sir Daniel is the best man in England 
to help you? For her sake don't quarrel with 
him. Don't throw over the best of fathers and 
the best of friends in a moment of temper. 
{Takes his hat from him.) Sir Daniel, I think 
you are a little hard on Mrs. Dane. Lionel doesn't 
want a legal machine to grind out the evidence. 
He wants a friend to stand by him and the woman 
he loves. Come, shake hands with him and 
promise you'll help him. {She joins their hands.) 

Sir D. Forgive me, my dear boy. I didn't 
mean to wound you. 

Lal. Forgive me, sir. I can't bear that any- 
one should speak ill of her. 

Lady E. And now let us put our heads to- 
gether and set to work to do our best to clear her. 

Sir D. Ah ! How can we do that ? 

Lal. You soon cleared that poor governess 
who was accused of stealing the bracelet ! 



ACT 11 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 39 

Sir D. Because she came to me and told me a 
plain, simple story which I was able to verify. 

Lady E. I'll write a note to Mrs. Dane and ask 
her to step over; then I'll advise her to tell her 
story to you, and put herself entirely in your hands. 

Sir D. That may be very unkind to her. 

LadyE. Why? 

Sir D. For the past fortnight I have kept 
away from Mrs. Dane, I have tried to keep Lai 
away from her, because we have not a single fact 
to go upon. Risby, who is responsible for this 
story, doesn't answer your letter. Mrs. Dane 
herself keeps silence. Now suppose this story is 
true — (indignant gesture from Lal). My dear 
Lai, have patience ! If it's false, we shall soon be 
able to demolish it and put Mrs. Dane right with 
the world. But suppose it's true, you force her 
hand, you make it impossible for her to hide it, 
and you give Mrs. Bulsom-Porter a public 
triumph over her. Don't you think it might be 
kinder to Mrs. Dane to wait? 

Lal. No. Lady Eastney, will you write to 
Mrs. Dane, and say that we all think she should 
stop these stories at once, by coming over here and 
giving Sir Daniel the means of proving them 
false. 

Lady E. (Seats herself at writing-table.) 
After all, we only want to know the truth. 

Sir D. You'll get it that way. (To Lal.) 



40 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act ii 

Lai, if I take this story to pieces and find it false, 
I won't say another word ; you shall marry Mrs. 
Dane as soon as you please. 

Lal. Thank you, sir. 

Sir D. But — don't be angry with me — if I find 
it true, of course there's an end to everything be- 
tween you and her ? 

Lal. Of course, sir. 

Enter, left, Adams, announcing Canon Bonsey. 
Enter Canon Bonsey. He shakes hands with 
Sir Daniel and Lal. Lady Eastney smiles 
and nods to Canon from writing-table. 

Lady E. Adams, will you send this note to 
Mrs. Dane at once ? 

Lal. I'll take it myself, Lady Eastney. 

Lal takes letter and goes off, left. Exit 
Adams, left. 

Lady E. {shaking hands with Canon). I'm 
delighted you've come. Is there anything fresh ? 

Canon B. I met Bulsom-Porter this morning ; 
he is most anxious to withdraw, or apologize, or 
do anything to smooth the matter over. 

Lady E. I saw Mrs. Bulsom-Porter yesterday, 
and I'm quite sure she will never withdraw any- 
thing that can damage the reputation of another 
woman. It would be a concession to immorality. 



ACT II MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 41 

Sir D. YouVe not seen Mrs. Dane again, I 
suppose, Canon? 

Canon B. No. I called ten days ago and 
dropped a hint that under the circumstances it 
would be advisable for her not to take a stall at 
the bazaar. 

Sir D. Did she take the hint ? 

Canon B. No; somehow or the other she 
managed to convince me that she was a very much 
ill-used woman, and I left her with the understand- 
ing that she should take the stall. 

Lady E. Then she will ? 

Canon B. Well, this morning I understand 
our dear duchess has got wind of the story, and is 
going to send for me, and mercilessly haul me over 
the coals ; in fact, I hear she refuses to open the 
bazaar unless Mrs. Dane retires ; so between these 
two dear ladies my peace of mind is likely to be 
rudely shaken, if not rent in twain. Such is my 
, reward for twenty-five years' management of this 
parish, on the principle of the widest toleration for 
everybody's views in doctrine, and everybody's 
practices in morals. 

Lady E. But you say Mrs. Dane convinced 
you that she was a very ill-used woman. 

Canon B. She did. But then I was very will- 
ing to be convinced. 

Lady E. Did you think her manner was that 
of an innocent woman ? 



42 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act ii 

Canon B. So far as I could judge. But, dear 
Lady Eastney, I am the veriest amateur in dealing 
with your sex ; and so far as your manner goes, I 
wouldn't presume to say that any one of you could 
ever be guilty of anything. Eh, Sir Daniel ? 

Sir D. I never judge from manner alone. 
There is the confusion of guilt and the confusion 
of innocence ; the brazen self-confidence of guilt 
and the serene self-confidence of innocence — I 
won't pretend I know which is which — except that 
sometimes a look, a gesture, a word, will give you 
a peep into the very soul of a man or woman, and 
you cry at once, "This is certain guilt," or "This 
is certain innocence." 

Lady E. I wonder if we shall get such a peep 
to-day ? - 

Canon B. How? 

Lady E. I've just written to ask Mrs. Dane to 
come on here and meet Sir Daniel and you and 
Mrs. Bulsom-Porter. 



Enter Adams announcing Mr. and Mrs. Bulsom- 
Porter. Enter Mr. and Mrs. Bulsom-Por- 
ter. Exit Adams. Hand-shakes and how- 
d'ye-do's exchanged between Lady Eastney 
and Mr. and Mrs. Bulsom-Porter, Canon 
Bonsey and Mr. and Mrs. Bulsom-Porter; 
Sir Daniel, and Mr. and Mrs. Bulsom-Por- 



ACT II MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 43 

TER. Sir Daniel retires to a corner and 
watches. 

Lady E. {cordially to Mrs. Bulsom-Porter). 
Now this is very charming of you. We shall be 
able to talk this little matter over before Mrs. 
Dane comes. 

Mrs. Bul.-P. I didn't understand that Mrs. 
Dane was to be present {glancing sharply at 
Bulsom-Porter). Of course Mr. Bulsom-Por- 
ter is pleased. He sees nothing objectionable in 
his wife meeting her. 

BuL.-P. My dear, if you consider Mrs. Dane's 
company objectionable, pray don't stay. I don't 
think I shall come to much harm, so I'll risk it. 

(Mrs. Bulsom-Porter looks very indig- 
nantly at Bulsom-Porter.) 

Lady E. {hurriedly). Of course you know 
that Mrs. Dane denies this story ? 

Mrs. Bul-P. Naturally she would. But I'm 
hourly expecting some very important informa- 
tion. 

Lady E. About Airs. Dane? 

Mrs. Bul.-P. Yes. The messenger is now 
on his way from town, and I've directed him to be 
sent over from my house the moment he arrives, 
if you don't mind. 

Lady E. Certainly not. We only wish to get 
at the truth. 



44 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act ii 

BuL.-P. I've heard nothing about this mes- 
senger. Who is he ? 

Mrs. Bul.-P. That's my business for the 
present. I have taken this affair entirely into my 
own hands. 

BuL.-P. The last time you took an affair into 
your own hands you involved me in a law-suit 
which cost me a thousand pounds 

Mrs. Bul.-P. The hussy was guilty, but she 
made eyes at the jury. Of course they were men. 
What could you expect? They gave her dam- 
ages. 

BuL.-P. So would I, if it hadn't been coming 
out of my own pocket. 

Mrs. Bul.-P. On the whole the money was 
well spent. The matter was thoroughly venti- 
lated, as I intend this shall be. 

Lady E. But, my dear Mrs. Bulsomx-Porter, 
you surely wish to find yourself mistaken in this 
story ? 

Mrs. Bul.-P. Of course I should be very 
pleased to find myself mistaken, but my instincts 
tell me that I'm not ; and my instincts in these cases 
are invariably right. 

Lady E. But have you nothing better than 
mere instincts to guide you ? 

^Irs. Bul.-P. Yes. There is a curious ex- 
pression on Mrs. Dane's face which exactly cor- 
responds with that of a Miss Spooner — (glances 



ACT II MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 45 

sternly at Bulsom-Porter) I need not pursue the 
story. 

BuL.-P. There was no story (sighs deeply), I 
regret to say. 

Mrs. Bul.-P. (very severely). You might 
have the good taste to leave your flippancies at 
home. If this woman is guilty, as I am convinced 
she is, I'm sure Canon Bonsey, as a clergyman will 
own that I have rendered a very great service to 
Sunningwater Society in not allowing the matter 
to rest. 

Canon B. Quite true. Whenever it is neces- 
sary that any disagreeable scandal should be 
stirred up for the good of Society, I'm very much 
obliged to those dear, good people who will kindly 
stir it up for me, and save me the trouble. And 
with regard to the present case, I hope you'll ask 
Sir Daniel to give you the benefit of his vast legal 
experience, and then — then it won't be necessary 
to stir it up any further, will it ? 

Lady E. Sir Daniel will be only too pleased to 
give us his advice. Sir Daniel, why don't you 
come and help us ? 

Sir D. (rising, coming forward). Help you 
talk it over? Will you please give me one single 
fact, one single scrap of evidence to go upon, and 
I'll then join the fray on one side or the other, as 
the case may be? Mrs. Bulsom-Porter, didn't I 
hear you say that you had a messenger now on his 



46 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act ii 

way from town with some important information ? 
Who is he ? 

Mrs. Bul.-P. I'd rather not say. 

Sir D. Where does he get the information ? 

Mrs. Bul.-P. He has been over to Vienna on 
purpose. 

Sir D. That sounds hopeful. What means 
has he of getting at the truth ? 

Mrs. Bul.-P. Every means. 

Sir D. Better and better ! Surely you might 
tell us who this omniscient person is ? 

Mrs. Bul.-P. When I saw that my husband 
was determined to shelter this woman, and prevent 
the truth from coming to light, I sent up to town 
for Mr. Fendick, the private detective 

BuL.-P. (startled). What!? 

Mrs. Bul.-P. And instructed him to make all 
inquiries, no matter at what expense. 

BuL.-P. What?! Now please understand I 
entirely dissociate myself from your action. 

Mrs. Bul.-P. It's of no consequence. I can 
proceed alone. 

Enter Lal, left. 

BuL.-P. But my dear Henrietta 



Lal. Mrs. Dane is here. Shall I ask her to 
come in ? 

Lady E. One moment, Lionel. 



ACT II MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 47 

BuL.-P. {to Lal). Will you please ask Mrs. 
Dane if she will spare me a few minutes? I 
have an explanation to make to her. 

{Exit Lionel, left.) 

Mrs. Bul.-P. If you have any explanation to 
make to that lady you will please make it in my 
presence. 

Lady E. Aren't we getting a little heated? I 
want to have a few words with Mrs. Dane alone — 
Ah! 

Enter Mrs. Dane, left. She is dressed very sim- 
ply, is very quiet and self-possessed, and is fol- 
lowed by Lionel, zvho stands at door, left. She 
bows all round. Sir Daniel and Bulsom- 
PoRTER return her bow cordially. 

Mrs. D. I didn't quite understand your note. 
Lady Eastney, but you see I'm here. 

Lady E. {going to her, cordially shaking 
hands). I'm very glad you've come. I wanted a 
few minutes' talk with you. Won't you sit down ? 
It's fearfully hot indoors. Suppose you all go 
down to the summer-house and I'll send you some 
cooling drinks. Canon, will you see that Mrs. 
Bulsom-Porter is made comfortable ? 

Canon B. Delighted. {To Mrs. Dane) 
How-d'ye-do, my dear Mrs. Dane? {shaking 
hands). Then we'll wait you in the summer- 



48 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act ii 

house. (Going to Mrs. Bulsom-Porter) Al- 
low me. 

( Taking her parasol, opening it, waits for 
her to go oif. Sir Daniel and Mrs. 
Dane are watching each other fur- 
tively — he very searchingly, she quiet, 
self-possessed. Mrs. Bulsom-Por- 
ter waits a moment to see that her hus- 
band does not speak to Mrs. Dane, 
then goes off with the Canon. 
Exeunt Mrs. Bulsom-Porter and 
Canon, right.) 

Bul.-P. {confidentially to Sir Daniel, who is 
quietly watching Mrs. Dane. In a quiet voice.) 
I say {draws him aside), how am I to stop my wife 
from dragging me into another confounded law- 
suit? 

Sir D. Ah ! Come and talk it over. 

{Exeunt Sir Daniel and Bulsom-Por- 
ter, right, Sir Daniel turning to 
glance slightly at Mrs. Dane as he 
goes off. Lionel comes from door, 
left.) 

Lady E. Lionel, will you find Adams and ask 
him to take tea and iced drinks to the summer- 
house ? 

(Lal shakes hands with Lady Eastney 
in thankfulness for her consideration 



ACT II MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 49 

for Mrs. Dane and goes off through 
conservatory. ) 

Lady E. Now my dear Mrs. Dane, you know 
that I am your friend and Lionel's friend. 

Mrs. D. Yes. 

Lady E. And between ourselves I hate Mrs. 
Bulsom-Porter with the most ungodly, unchristian 
hatred. I'm only waiting for some tolerable 
excuse to get everybody in Sunningwater to cut 
her. Lionel has told you what she says of you ? 

Mrs. D. He says that she is spreading some 
story about my being a Miss Hindemarsh. What 
is the use of taking any notice of such a tale? 

Lady E. You must take notice of it. 

Mrs. D. I have denied it. 

Lady E. You must do more than that. Lionel 
is waiting to make you his wife 

Mrs. D. If he doesn't believe me I do not wish 
to bind him. {Triumphantly) But he does be- 
lieve me. 

Lady E. Yes, but Sir Daniel 

Mrs. D. If Sir Daniel doesn't believe me what 
happiness can there be for me if I marry Mr. 
Carteret ? 

Lady E. Then you mean to give him up ? Is 
that right? Is it wise? Is it kind to Lionel? 
Then there are your other friends ; we are all wait- 
ing, I am waiting, to give this woman the lie and 

D 



50 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act ii 

show her the door. If you don't defend yourself 
what are we to think ? 

Mrs. D. You think I am an imposter? 

Lady E. No. I said to Sir Daniel a few 
minutes ago that I should have acted throughout 
as you have done 

Mrs. D. {very gratefully). Thank you! 
Thank you ! 

Lady E. Up to the present moment. There is 
a point at which it is prudent to neglect slander — 
if it's false. There is a point at which it is impru- 
dent, impossible to neglect slander — unless it is 
true. You have reached that point. This story is 
being repeated everywhere. Why won't you trust 
yourself to Sir Daniel ? 

Mrs. D. What does Sir Daniel propose to do ? 

Lady E. To hear the story of your life, obtain 
the evidence for it, and then get Mrs. Bulsom- 
Porter to make you an ample apology. 

Mrs. D. {cunningly). I suppose Sir Daniel 
has no doubt he would be able to prove my story ? 

Lady E. My dear Mrs. Dane, the cleverest 
lawyer of our generation ! And he is only waiting 
one word from you to undertake your defence. 
If you refuse, what inference will everybody 
draw? 

Enter Lal hastily, right. 
Lal. Lady Eastney, what do you suppose 



ACT II MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 51 

Mrs. Bulsom-Porter has done ? She has gone to 
Fendick, the private detective. (A spasm of 
fright passes over Mrs. Dane's face, which is 
hidden from them.) Did you know of it? 

Lady E. She said she was expecting some in- 
formation this afternoon. I've told Mrs. Dane 
that she must meet this slander. 

(Mrs. Dane has recovered from her 
fright and regained her self-assurance. 
After a moment's deliberation she takes 
an opened telegram from her pocket 
and gives it to Lady Eastney.) 

Mrs. D. {very quietly). Read that, Lady East- 
ney. 

Lady E. ( taking telegram) . From whom ? 

Mrs. D. From Mr. Risby. 

Lady E. (Takes telegram from envelope — it 
is on two sheets; reads.) ''Lady Eastney writes 
me that Mrs. Bulsom-Porter repeats some absurd 
story about you. Am writing Lady Eastney this 
post that I was quite mistaken in recognizing you. 
If any further trouble, let me know and will im- 
mediately set matter right. James Risby, 
Schweizerhof, Lucerne." When did you get this ? 

Mrs. D. Yesterday. 

Lady E. But this explains everything. Why 
didn't you show it us at once? (Rings bell.) 

Mrs. D. Why should I ? You forget that you 
and all Sunningwater are very much concerned to 



52 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act ii 

know whether I'm this Aliss Somebody. I have 
told you that I'm not, and you don't believe me. 
Why should I trouble any further ? 

Enter Adams, left. 

Lady E. Is the afternoon post in, Adams ? 

Adams. Not yet, my lady. 

Lady E. Bring my letters to me the moment 
they arrive. 

Adams. Yes, my lady. (Exit.) 

Lal. The thing is quite clear. Risby has 
made a mistake. May I show that telegram to my 
father? 

Mrs. D. No. Let Mrs. Bulsom-Porter repeat 
her slanders, and pay her detectives to repeat them. 
I shall not take the least notice of her. 

Lady E. You must ! You owe it to Lionel to 
prove this story false. Let me show this telegram 
to Sir Daniel ? 

Mrs. D. (after a pause). Very well. As you 
please. 

Lady E. We will very soon settle Mrs. Bul- 
som-Porter. (Exit right, with telegram.) 

Lal (lingering) . My father has been asking 
for evidence. Now he has got it. 

Mrs. D. Yes. But suppose Sir Daniel cannot 
prove my innocence, suppose this story is still be- 
lieved and we are parted after all, you will remem- 
ber that I shall love you till my last breath, with 



ACT II MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 53 

all the love of my heart, with all that is best and 
truest in me ? 

Lal. Yes, but we shan't be parted. Come and 
tell my father everything. 

Mrs. D. That woman is there. I hate scenes 
of any kind. 

Lal. Then I'll bring him to you. 

{She shozvs him a radiant, smiling face. 
He runs oif right. The moment he has 
gone she utters a sharp cry, followed 
by a long groan of despair, sits down 
on sofa zvith a white, drawn, haggard 
face, wringing her hands, staring in 
front of her. — A pause. The door, 
left, opening into drawing-room, has 
been left open. Voices heard off.) 
Adams. What name did you say? 
Fendick. (Voice heard off.) Fendick. 
Adams. You say Mrs. Bulsom-Porter does ex- 
pect you ? 

Fendick. Yes. She left word at home I was 
to come on here to her. 

Adams. Fll let her know you're here. 

Enter Adams, left, crosses and exit, right. Mrs. 
Dane creeps up to door, left, looks through it, 
utters a little cry of alarm, and comes away. 
Enter, left, Fendick, an ordinary-looking, mid- 
dle-class man about forty, clean shaven. 



54 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act ii 

Fendick. I beg pardon — (stops, seeing her). 
Oh! 

Mrs. D. Fendick! You, Fendick! You 
gave me some other name. Why did you come to 
my house a fortnight ago ? 

Fendick. Well, you see, the fact is, I wanted 
to get a photograph of you in the way of business, 
and so I adopted the slight ruse of saying I was 
taking photographic views of the neighbourhood, 
and I asked you to give me an opportunity of tak- 
ing a view from your garden. 

Mrs. D. Did you get a photograph of me ? 

Fendick. My partner took two whilst I was 
chatting with you and taking off your attention. 
(She shows great fright.) I know it was rather 
shabby, but my profession has its shabby side. 

Mrs. D. What use have you made of the 
photograph ? 

Fendick. Well, of course that's my business. 
There ! (looks all round) you treated me very well 
that day — if it's any use to you to know, I've been 
over to Vienna for Mrs. Bulsom-Porter, and after 
a good deal of trouble I found a man over there 
that remembers Miss Hindemarsh, and can recog- 
nize her if necessary. I mustn't say any more. 

Mrs. D. Yes! You're a detective. I'll em- 
ploy you. Name your own sum. I'll give you 
double, treble, ten times what she gives. You'll 



ACT II MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 55 

find some one that knows that I'm not this Miss 
Hindemarsh — not the least like her ? 

Fendick. No, ma'am, I can't. Thank you all 
the same. 

Mrs. D. (getting more frantic) . Yes! Yes! 
You must ! I say you must ! Don't ruin me ! 
This man in Vienna ? He doesn't know who and 
where I am now ? 

Fendick. Not unless I bring him over. 

Mrs. D. But you won't ! He won't recognize 
me. You've been to Vienna. Listen! Please 
understand from this time I employ you, and you 
shall be handsomely paid. There's nobody who 
recognizes me. I'm not in the least like that lady. 
You understand ? 

Fendick. I can't do it. I can't, indeed. It 
might be found out. 

Mrs. D. It shan't be. How can it ? Oh, how 
can I move you? I'll give you every farthing I 
have. Don't betray me ! Don't betray me ! It's 
everything to me — my happiness, my life, my all. 
Oh, don't ruin me ! Hush ! {She looks off rights 
points him off left, whispering as he goes off) You 
won't betray me ? 

(She comes back, with an immense effort 
regains her self-possession, takes a 
novel, and sits on sofa,) 
Enter Lal, right, followed by Adams, who crosses 

and exit, left. 



56 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act ii 

Lal. My father is coming. I made him 
promise to take up your case and fight it through. 

Mrs. D. How kind of him. 

Adams (speaking off, left. Mrs. Dane listens, 
with great apprehension). Mrs. Bulsom-Porter 
will be here in a minute if you will wait. 

Enter Sir Daniel and Lady Eastney, right. 

Lady E. Here is your champion. Tell him 
everything. 

Sir D. If I can be of any service I shall be de- 
lighted. 

Adams re-enters left, and brings letter on tray to 
Lady Eastney. She takes it, reads it. Exit 
Adams, left, closing the door after him. 

Mrs. D. {to Sir Daniel). When I heard this 
story was being circulated I thought it would be 
better to take no notice and let it die a natural 
death. Don't you think I was wise ? 

Sir D. Very wise, if it had died a natural 
death. But you see it hasn't. So suppose we set 
to work and crush the life out of it, shall we? 

Mrs. D. Shan't I be trespassing upon you? 
Won't It be wasting your valuable time ? 

Sir D. I've no hobby but my profession, so it 
won't be a waste of time to spend a few hours in 
the long vacation to free you from an unjust sus- 



ACT II MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 57 

picion. (Lal comes up to them.) I said I had 
no hobby but my profession. That isn't true. 
This young fellow {taking Lal's arm affection- 
ately) is another very dear hobby of mine. You, 
too, are concerned for his happiness ? 

( Watching her very closely. ) 

Mrs. D. Yes, indeed. 

Sir D. {watching her keenly). And therefore 
you wish me to sift this affair thoroughly? {She 
is going to speak.) Knowing that the happiness 
of his whole life is staked on the result? 

Mrs. D. I only wish for his happiness — not my 
own. Do just as you please. 

Sir D. Then you place yourself entirely in my 
hands ? 

Mrs. D. Yes ; most willingly. How can I 
thank you ? 

Sir D. Wait till I deserve your thanks. 

Lady E. {Has been reading the letter.) 
Really the whole affair is too absurdly simple. 

Enter Mrs. Bulsom-Porter at window, followed 
by Bulsom-Porter and Canon Bonsey. 

Mrs. Bul.-P. Lady Eastney, there's a man 
waiting to see me. Will you allow me ? 

Lady E. Certainly. I believe he is in the next 
room, but {stopping her) I think you should hear 
this letter first. It is from your nephew, Mr. 
Risby. "Dear Lady Eastney, I have received your 



58 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act it 

letter. It is quite true that at the first glance I 
thought I recognized in Mrs. Dane a lady whom I 
had previously met, and I casually mentioned the 
fact to my aunt, Mrs. Bulsom-Porter. But on 
seeing Mrs. Dane a second time, I discovered my 
mistake, and I told Mrs. Bulsom-Porter of my 
error. Will you express my sincere regrets to 
Mrs. Dane, and will you assure anyone who may 
revive the story that it is utterly false." What 
more do we want? {Hands the letter to Sir 
Daniel, who reads it carefully. Lady Eastney 
then turns to Mrs. Bulsom-Porter.) Surely 
that is enough, and you will be only too glad to 
own to Mrs. Dane that you're mistaken. 

Mrs. Bul.-P. {a little taken aback). I don't 
know. I should like to hear what Fendick has to 
say. 

Sir D. (suddenly, as if struck with an idea). 
One moment. Mrs. Dane has already placed her- 
self in my hands. Mrs. Bulsom-Porter, may I 
offer you my services ? 

Mrs. BuL.-P. For what purpose ? 

Sir D. To get at the truth. You have cir- 
culated a story which from this letter seems to be 
quite false. Your husband has asked me to use 
my influence to prevent the very disagreeable con- 
sequences which are likely to follow. Will you 
allow me to call in Mr, Fendick, and ask him a 
few questions ? 



ACT II MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE S9 

Mrs. Bul.-P. Well, I 



BuL.-P. Yes, if you please, Sir Daniel. I 
shall be guided entirely by you. 

Sir D. Lady Eastney, you will permit me? 
(Lady Eastney nods assent. Sir Daniel goes 
to door, left, and calls) Mr. Fendick ♦ 

Fendick enters, left 

Sir D. (to Fendick). You've been to Vienna 
lately? 

Fendick. Yes, sir. 

Sir D. To ask certain questions about a lady 
who formerly lived there, a Miss Hindemarsh ? 

Fendick. Yes, sir. 

Sir D. What are the results of your inquiries ? 

Fendick. Well, sir, I'm not at liberty to say, 
as you're not employing me. 

Sir D. Mrs. Bulsom-Porter wishes you to 
speak. 

Mrs. Bul.-P. Will you please tell us all that 
you've found out in Vienna ? 

Fendick. In respect of what, ma'am ? 

Sir D. Perhaps I'd better put a direct ques- 
tion. Is Miss Hindemarsh identical with a lady 
who is now living in this neighbourhood ? 

Fendick. This neighbourhood ? 

Sir D. Is Miss Hindemarsh identical with a 
lady who is now in this room? (turning to Mrs. 
Dane). Is this lady Miss Hindemarsh? 



6o MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act ii 

Fendick. No, sir. 

Sir D. (very searchingly) . You're quite sure? 

Fendick. Quite sure, sir. 

Sir D. You have trustworthy evidence that 
she is not Miss Hindemarsh ? 

Fendick. Yes, sir. 

Sir D. What evidence have you ? 

Fendick (producing photograph). I took this 
portrait over to Vienna (giving photograph to Sir 
Daniel), and the parties over there that remem- 
ber Miss Hindemarsh, say distinctly that this isn't 
the lady. 

Sir D. She doesn't resemble Miss Hinde- 
marsh ? 

Fendick. No, sir. Not in the least like her. 

Sir D. Thank you. We shall want fuller in- 
formation, but that will do for the present. 
(Opens the door for him, left. Exit Fendick. 
To Mrs. Bulsom-Porter) I'm afraid you've com- 
mitted yourself very deeply. On Mrs. Dane's 
behalf I shall have to insist that you withdraw this 
story without the least reserve. 

Mrs. Bul.-P. In what way? 

Sir D. May I suggest a form? If you will 
allow^ me I will draw it out, and you can sign it 
before leaving the room. 

(Sir Daniel sits down to zvrite.) 

Canon B. (coming up to Mrs. Dane). I con- 
gratulate you (shaking hands, looking round) . I 



ACT II MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 6i 

think we are all to be congratulated. You upon 
the pleasant termination to this very unpleasant 
affair ; myself upon the restoration of peace to this 
idyllic neighbourhood; and Mrs. Bulsom-Porter 
for having stirred up this matter so vigorously, 
and to an issue which, I am sure, must be as grati- 
fying to her, as it was evidently unexpected. 

(Smiling on Mrs. Bulsom-Porter.) 

BuL.-P. I hope Mrs. Dane will allow me to 
offer her my sincere regrets. (To Mrs. Dane.) 

Mrs. D. Thank you. I was so sorry that I 
was not at home the other day when you called. 
You will forgive me for not answering your note ? 

Mrs. Bul.-P. (to Bulsom-Porter). Your 
note? You've been making (Bulsom-Porter 
comes over to her) calls and leaving notes on 

BuL.-P. (quietly). For heaven's sake keep 
your hysterics till you get home. 

(Tries to soothe her.) 

Sir D. (having written, comes to Mrs. Bulsom- 
Porter). Will you kindly read it over and 
sign it? 

Mrs. Bul.-P. (glancing at note). But this is a 
public apology ! 

Sir D. I have made it as agreeable as I could. 

Mrs. Bul.-P. A public apology! (Again 
looks at if.) No. Fm quite sure from my 
nephew's manner that he was concealing some- 



62 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act ii 

thing. I shall not apologize or withdraw anything 
until I've made further inquiries. 

{She is about to tear up the paper,) 

Sir D. (stops her very quietly). Pardon me. 
Don't tear that. (To Lady Eastney) Where is 
Mr. Risby now ? 

Lady E. At the Schweizerhof, Lucerne. 

Sir D. To-day is Saturday. We can get him 
back next week. (To Mrs. Bulsom-Porter) 
You have slandered an innocent lady without the 
least justification. Take that paper home, think 
the matter over, and — will you accept a piece of 
advice from an old lawyer — gratis — let me have 
it signed and witnessed by next Saturday. The 
alternative will be very troublesome, very humil- 
iating to you, and terribly expensive — to your 
husband. (Gesture of despair from Bulsom- 
Porter.) Take it home. Let me have it signed 
and witnessed by next Saturday. 

Mrs. D. How good of you ! 

(Lady Eastney has rung the bell. 
Adams enters, left.) 

Lady E. The door, Adams. 

Mrs. Bulsom-Porter goes off, left, fol- 
lowed by Bulsom-Porter.) 

curtain 

Four days pass between Acts II and III. 



ACT III 

Scene — Library at Sir Daniel Carteret's, Sunning- 
water. A cosy room in a modern red brick house. At 
back, a fireplace with a looking-glass in the overmantel. 
Door up stage, right. A large bow window, left, with 
doors opening out upon lawn. A table up stage left. A 
writing-table down stage, right, littered with books and 
papers. A sofa down stage, left. Bookshelves all round 
the room. 

Time — The following Wednesday afternoon. Dis- 
cover Sir Daniel at fireplace, looking in the glass, ar- 
ranging a flower in his buttonhole, regarding himself 
critically. 

Enter Wilson right, announcing Lady Eastney. 
Enter Lady Eastney. Exit Wilson. 

Lady E. {shaking hands) . You're busy ? 

Sir D. Yes ; trying to persuade myself I am 
forty — solely on your account. 

Lady E. That's not necessary. I like you well 
enough as you are. 

Sir D. (tenderly). Give me the best proof of 
that. 

63 



64 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act hi 

Lady E. I have. I'm here a quarter of an 
hour before my time. 

Sir D. You couldn't be that in my house. 

Lady E. How are matters going with Mrs. 
Dane? 

Sir D. Splendidly (going up to writing-fable ; 
taking up two sheets of foolscap, closely written 
over in a lady's hand). She has given me a de- 
tailed history of her whole life. She accounts for 
every moment from her childhood. 

Lady E. Has Mr. Fendick sent his evidence ? 

Sir D. Yes, it came this morning. That's 
quite satisfactory too {taking up another paper 
from table). 

Lady E. And Mr. Risby ? 

Sir D. He's coming specially from Lucerne to 
put matters right. I expect him almost every 
moment, and Fendick is also running down from 
town for a little conference, so to-night I shall 
have all the threads of the case in my hands, and 
then 

Lady E. Then? 

Sir D. Then I shall be able to talk to Mrs. 
Bulsom-Porter. 

Lady E. Fm delighted. The whole neigh- 
bourhood is still in a perfect fever over the affair. 
Nothing else is talked about. 

Sir D. I wish there wasn't quite so much gos- 
sip about it. 



ACT III MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 65 

Lady E. My dear Sir Daniel, we live in a resi- 
dential neighbourhood in a wicked world, and 
what possible occupation is there for us poor 
women except to discuss scandal, or — to create it ? 
You've met the new red-haired curate? He was 
at Mrs. Deveson's garden-party yesterday. He 
has espoused Mrs. Dane's cause with all the fury 
of his flaming locks. 

Sir D. Rather a dangerous champion, I should 
say. 

Lady E. H'm, I don't know. He'll rally all 
the High Church to our side. Wrench, the curate 
from Latterfield, was there too. Wrench is black- 
browed and Evangelical. Well, our red-haired 
man got into a heated argument with Wrench, first 
about Catholic practices, and then about Mrs. 
Dane — redhead went wagging against blackhead 
— it was all I could do to prevent a scrimmage 

Sir D. What happened ? 

Lady E. I allured flaming locks to a shady 
corner, and dosed him with cold counsel and iced 
lemon squash. Oh, I forgot 

SirD. What? 

Lady E. The duchess was there. She's going 
to make an important call on you this afternoon. 

SirD. Why? 

Lady E. She's very much interested in Mrs. 
Dane's affair, and wants to know all about it. We 
shall find the duchess a useful ally. 



66 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act hi 

Sir D. (handling the foolscap). We shall need 
no ally, except the truth. 

Lady E. (smiling). Won't you? The truth 
is all very well, Sir Daniel, but if I had to live 
down a scandal, Vd rather have a duchess on my 
side. 

Lal enters at zvindow. 

Lal. How d'ye do. Lady Eastney ? 

Lady E. How d'ye do? (Shaking hands.) 

Lal. Risby hasn't turned up yet ? 

Sir D. (taking out watch). No, I expect him 
very soon. You haven't brought Mrs. Dane ? 

Lal. No. She has thought of some more par- 
ticulars of her history ; she's writing them out for 
you. 

Sir D. Go back and tell her not to trouble any 
further, and ask her to be here to meet Risby in 
(taking out zvatch) ten minutes. 

Lal. All right. Lady Eastney, I can't thank 
you enough. 

LadyE. What for? 

Lal. For helping us to beat down these hor- 
rible lies. 

Lady E. My dear Lal, I feel very strongly 
about it, and I shan't rest till I've worked the 
whole neighbourhood into a frenzy of virtuous 
sympathy for Mrs. Dane, and a frenzy of virtuous 
indignation against Mrs. Bulsom-Porter. Give 



ACT III MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE ty 

my love to Mrs. Dane, and tell her that, will you ? 

Lal. God bless you ! Then I'll go and fetch 
Lucy, sir ? 

Sir D. {has been studying Mrs. Dane's fools- 
cap paper'). Yes. Bring her at once. 

{Exit Lal at window with a bright look 
of gratitude to Lady Eastney; Lady 
Eastney a?td Sir Daniel g-o up to 
window and look after him. 

Lady E. You're quite reconciled to their en- 
gagement ? 

Sir D. Yes. I find I'm beginning to like her 
very much. I think the boy will be happy with 
her! 

Lady E. You seem to take a greater interest in 
Lionel's love-affairs than you do in your own. 

Sir D. Ah no ! You shouldn't say that. But 
you have discouraged me so often 

Lady E. I, discouraged you ? ! Why I've en- 
couraged you to propose to me I don't know how 
many times. 

Sir D. Give me a little encouragement now. 

Lady E. I am a woman. I am twenty-eight. 
My first essay in marriage was not a conspicuous 
success. On the other hand, it was not a disas- 
trous failure. Altogether I'm quite willing to 
make a fresh experiment. But, on the other hand, 
I'm quite happy in my present state. It has very 
great advantages. I shall need a very great deal 



68 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act iii 

of wooing before I am induced to change it. In- 
deed, on second thoughts why should I change it 
at all? 

Sir D. I wouldn't have you change it, except 
for a happier one. 

Lady E. I won't, if I can help it. But there's 
the rub. I like you very much, but, honestly, I 
don't love you. At least (looking him up and 
down critically) I don't think I do. But there 
again, I'm open to persuasion. 

Sir D. Give me the benefit of the doubt. 

Lady E. I will— and say "No." 

SirD. "No?!" 

Lady E. If I say "Yes" how can I be sure that 
Mr. Somebody Else won't come along and make 
me sorry all my life that I didn't say "No." 

Sir D. Is Mr. Somebody Else likely to come? 

Lady E. How can I tell ? He's always hang- 
ing about just round the corner, and if I married 
you, and you neglected me, or were unkind, I'm 
sure he'd turn up, and I do believe I should listen 
to the wretch, and then — heigho ! 

Sir D. Be my wife and if Mr. Somebody Else 
ever wins a word, or a look, or a thought from 
you, I'll own it's my fault, and I'll forgive him 
and you too. 

Lady E. {looks up at him). You know I shall 
end by accepting you. 

Sir D. I'm sure you will. 



ACT III MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 69 

Lady E. Then Tm sure I won't. At least not 
until 

Sir D. Not until when ? 

Lady E. Not until I've made up my mind. I 
want to be persuaded, I want to be wooed. I want 
you to see in me a thousand more perfections than 
ever a woman had, and value me a thousand times 
more than ever a woman was valued. 

Sir D. I couldn't value you more than I do. 

Lady E. (Shakes her head and smiles.) It 
won't do ! It won't do ! With every wish in the 
world to oblige you, I really cannot sell my liberty 
at your present quotations. 

Enter Wilson announcing Miss Colquhoun. 
Enter Janet. Exit Wilson. 

Janet. How d'ye do. Sir Daniel ? 

Sir D. {shakes hands). How are you, dear? 

Janet. Auntie, Mrs. Patterson has just come 
over to see you about her mission to the Indian 
women. Can you spare her just a few minutes ? 

Lady E. A few minutes? My dear child, 
Mrs. Patterson is a woman with a mission, and it 
takes years to persuade people out of that folly. 

Enter Lal at windozv. 

Lal. I've brought Lucy, sir. She's here 

(stops, seeing Janet). 

(Exit at window, shame-faced,) 



70 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act iii 

Janet. Auntie, you will let Mrs. Patterson 
take me away from England ? 

Lady E. I'll come and talk it over with her, 
dear. {Puts Janet oif at door, zvhich has been 
left open. To Sir Daniel) I'll come back by- 
and-by to see how everything goes with Mrs. 
Dane. 

{Exit Lady Eastney. He closes the 
door after her, and goes up to writing- 
table, takes up Mrs. Dane's and Fen- 
dick's notes. Enter Mrs. Dane and 
Lal at windozv. She has a large blue 
envelope in her hand.) 

Mrs. D. How d'ye do, Sir Daniel ? 

Sir D. {shaking hands very cordially). How 
d'ye do? 

Mrs. D. Have you read my statement ? 

Sir D. Every word. I congratulate you. 

Mrs. D. On what? 

Sir D. On having told a perfectly plain, 
straightforward story, in a perfectly plain, 
straightforward way. 

Mrs. D. I only put down what I knew and 
felt, just as it came to me. I've jotted down a few 
more notes. 

( Taking out of the envelope another sheet 
of foolscap, which is partly zvritten 
over. ) 



ACT III MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 71 

Sir D. (taking sheet). You've already given 
me all I want. 

Mrs. D. Tell me what else I can do ? 

Sir D. (Takes her hands, very quietly and 
tenderly.) Leave yourself in my hands, and 
wait the result with perfect confidence. 

Enter Wilson, right, announcing Mr. Risby. 
Enter Risby, right. Exit Wilson. 

Mrs. D. (rather quickly and eagerly). Oh, 
Mr. Risby, how d'ye do ? 

(Risby is a little taken aback; she gives 
him a significant glance, and he re- 
turns her greeting very cordially.) 
Risby. Ah, my dear Mrs. Dane! (Shakes 
hands very cordially zvith her, then goes to Sir 
Daniel. ) Sir Daniel ! 

(Shakes hands with Sir Daniel.) 

Sir D. How are you ? 

Risby. Lionel ! 

(Shaking hands with Lionel.) 

Lal. How d'ye do ? 

Risby ( To Sir Daniel) . You got my wire ? 

Sir D. Yes, I'm really sorry to drag you half 
across Europe 

Risby. Half across Europe? Mrs. Dane may 
be quite sure that I would willingly be dragged 



yz MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act iii 

half across the celestial spaces, if I can only repair 
my absurd mistake. (Glancing at Lionel.) I 
suppose I may speak quite freely 

Sir D. Oh, yes. Lionel is to marry Mrs. 
Dane when we have cleared this up. 

RiSBY. Indeed. (Goes to Lal.) My con- 
gratulations — and to Mrs. Dane. That makes it 
all the more necessary that I should put matters 
right. Now tell me what can I do ? 

Sir D. You told Mrs. Bulsom-Porter that 
Mrs. Dane was in reality Miss Felicia Hinde- 
marsh ? 

RiSBY. Yes. I was misled by a certain gen- 
eral resemblance on seeing Mrs. Dane at some 
distance. When I got quite close to her I saw 
that I had made a horrible blunder. 

Sir D. Of course you withdraw the state- 
ment? 

RiSBY. Utterly and entirely, with a thousand 
apologies. 

Sir D. And suppose we have to bring the 
matter into court? (Mrs. Dane watches Risby 
anxiously.) 

Risby. Will that be necessary ? 

Sir D. I hope not. I think not. But we must 
be prepared. We should need your evidence. 

Risby. Of course — if I'm in England. But I 
expect to make a very extended tour, and might 
be absent for a year or two. 



ACT III ^IRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 73 

Sir D. Then we must take your evidence be- 
fore you start. 

RiSBY. Certainlly. But you'll keep it out of 
court, won't you ? 

Sir D. I shall do my best. But we shall want 
you to say that this lady is not Felicia Hindemarsh, 
whom you knew in Vienna. 

RiSBY. By all means. But before I leave Sun- 
ningwater I'll go over to auntie and try again to 
drive that fact into her comprehension. 

Sir D. That might help us. 

RiSBY. I'll go at once. ( Takes up his hat,) 

Enter Wilson, right, 

Wilson. Her Grace has called, Sir Daniel. 
I've shown her into the drawing-room. 

Sir D. Very well, Wilson. Tell her Grace I'll 
be there in a moment. {Exit Wilson, right,) 

RiSBY, Is there anything further that you wish 
to know ? 

Sir D. I think not. When do you leave 
England ? 

RiSBY. In a day or two — as soon as I can get 
away. 

Sir D. I've given Mrs. Bulsom-Porter till 
Saturday to choose between a lawsuit and an 
apology. Can you stay till after then ? 

RiSBY. Certainly. I'll hold myself at your dis- 



74 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act hi 

posal till Monday night. The Senior University 
will find me till then. 

Sir D. Very well. 

RiSBY. Good-bye, if all goes well and I don't 
see you again. 

Sir D. Good-bye. (Shakes hands with Risby 
— turns to Mrs. Dane.) You'll wait here, won't 
you? I expect Fendick every moment. I must 
go and get rid of this bothering old woman 

Mrs. D. I understand she has come to make 
inquiries about me ? 

Sir D. Yes, I believe. I shall be able to set 
her mind at rest. (Exit, right.) 

Mrs. D. (to Risby). It was so good of you to 
come and help us 

Risby. Surely I could do no less. 

Mrs. D. Thank you so much. (Suddenly.) 
Lionel 

Lal. Yes ? 

Mrs. D. I've left my keys in my escritoire. 
And it's open. There are some letters of yours — 
I wouldn't like them to be read. Would you 
mind running across and locking it, and bringing 
me the keys ? 

Lal. Yes, if you wish. I shall see you again, 
Risby? 

Risby. Yes, I daresay. 

(Exit Lionel at window. They both 
watch him off. She then turns to 



ACT III MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 75 

RiSBY in a burst of gratitude, wrings 
his hands.) 

Mrs. D. Thank you, with all my heart ! 

RiSBY. Hush ! Take care ! 

(Looks round warningly.) 

Mrs. D. Sir Daniel seems to be quite satis- 
fied 

RiSBY. Yes, I think I've pulled you through 
so far. But I've gone as far as it's safe to go — 
perhaps farther. {Very emphatically) Whatever 
you do, you must keep Sir Daniel from bringing it 
into court. 

Mrs. D. You think everything would come 
out? 

RiSBY. I fear so. This history of your life 
that you've given to Sir Daniel ? 

Mrs. D. Yes? 

RiSBY. He has read it ? 

Mrs. D. Yes, and he's quite satisfied. He 
says it's perfectly plain and straightforward. 
Naturally it would be, as I knew Lucy's life almost 
as well as I know my own. 

RiSBY. And she was really Mrs. Dane ? 

Mrs. D. Yes ; when she died I took her name 
and became her. 

RiSBY. And you think you can carry it out to 
the end ? 

Mrs. D. Yes ; I think I can now I've begun. 
I must ! I must ! Why do you look at me like 



76 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act hi 

that? You think I'm a horrid creature — you de- 
spise me? 

RiSBY. No, no 

Mrs. D. Yes, you do, I can see you do ! Don't 
you think I despise myself? Do you think I'd do 
all this, if I could help myself, if there were any 
other way out of it? But I don't want you to 
despise me 

RiSBY. Believe me, I am only sorry, deeply 
sorry for you. May I say one word — Lionel ? 

Mrs. D. Well? 

RiSBY. Don't you think it would be better to 
tell him — safer ? 

]\Irs. D. I can't now. He loves me and be- 
lieves in me. 

RiSBY. Good-bye. {Offers hand.) 

Mrs. D. (again seizes his hand — zvrings it with 
gratitude). Thanks! Thanks! This has shown 
me what a good and true friend a man can be to a 
woman ! 

RiSBY. (retaining her hand) . I've been awfully 
puzzled what to do. When I called on you this 
morning I came to tell you to face the worst, that 
it would be impossible for me to hide the truth 
from Sir Daniel 

Mrs. D. But you did ! 

RiSBY. Yes. I'm not a very soft-hearted 
chap, but when I saw that tear, I felt I couldn't 



ACT III MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE ^y 

round on you. I hope I've played the game 
fairly. 

Mrs. D. Fairly ? Most generously to me. 

RiSBY. And I hope not unfairly to Lionel. 

Mrs. D. ril make him the best and truest wife 
that ever lived. You believe that? 

RiSBY. Yes, I beheve you will. Good-bye. 
(Kisses her hand, drops if, looks at her.) After 
all, it isn't always the good women who are the 
best for us rascals. 

Enter Wilson, showing in Fendick, right. Mrs. 
Dane shows very slight confusion, and a look is 
exchanged betzveen her and Fendick, which 
RiSBY notices. 

Wilson. Sir Daniel is engaged for a minute, 
but he told me to tell you to wait. 

Fendick. All right. *'No hurry," tell Sir 
Daniel. (Exit Wilson, right,) 

RiSBY. Good-bye. 

(She shakes his hand warmly. Exit 
RiSBY, right. ) 

Mrs. D. Good morning. 
Fendick. Good morning. 
Mrs. D. Anything new since I saw you last 
night ? 

Fendick. No. You're sure you can pull this 



78 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act hi 

cousin business off ? Got all your dates and facts 
at your fingers' ends ? 

Mrs. D. Yes. We lived together all our lives 
except when I was a governess. 

Fendick. That's the time as you've got to be 
careful about. As I told you last night, I rum- 
maged about pretty well amongst the chawbacons 
at Tawhampton, and so far as I can gather I don't 
think there's the requisite intelligence in Taw- 
hampton to say that you aren't Lucy Allen. Espe- 
cially as there was a likeness between you and your 
cousin. 

Mrs. D. Yes ; we were the same height, and 
the same complexion. 

Fendick. Then you went as pupil teacher to 
Eastbourne ? 

Mrs. D. Yes. 

Fendick. Ware off Eastbourne. The old 
dowager at the school would spot you at once. 
And I've got to mind my p's and q's about the con- 
cierge at Vienna 

Mrs. D. But you say there isn't a concierge ? 

Fendick. I fancy I can lay my hands on an 
old Italian friend, who'll pass at a pinch. But I 
tell you this, if I get out of this business with clean 
boots, I'll take good care I don't land myself in a 
dirty mess like this a second time. 

Mrs. D. I'm sorry you should call it that. 



ACT III MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 79 

You know that I'm quite willing you should make 

any charge 

Fendick. It isn't the money. If I'd known 
what I was letting myself in for I wouldn't have 
done it for a thousand pounds. But you worked 
on my feelings, so that before I knew where I was 
I'd said you weren't the woman. And I didn't 
recognize Sir Daniel in his private get-up. 
Hush ! ( They compose themselves. ) 

Sir Daniel enters, right. 

Sir D. Ah, Mr. Fendick, how d'ye do? 

{Goes up to writing-tahle and takes up 
Fendick^'s notes.) 

Fendick. Kow d'ye do. Sir Daniel ? I wasn't 
aware when I met you at Lady Eastney's the other 
day that I had the pleasure and honour of address- 
ing the famous judge Sir Daniel Carteret? 

Sir D. No, Mr. Fendick? There I had the 
advantage of you, for I was aware I was address- 
ing Mr. Fendick, the famous detective. 

Fendick. Well, our professions are, in a man- 
ner of speaking, somewhat similar, aren't they ? 

Sir D. Not similar, Mr, Fendick. Say co- 
operative, mutually assistant and necessary to each 
other. You elicit the truth, I deal with it — when 
I get it. You catch the hare — I cook him. 

Fendick. Him or her as the case may be. 



8o MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act hi 

Sir D. Him or her as the case may be. Well, 
I don't think it will take long to hunt this hare 
down, eh ? 

Fendick. No, Sir Daniel, I think not. You 
received my copy of the evidence I obtained in 
Vienna ? 

Sir. D. {handling Fendick's notes). Yes, it 
came this morning. It seems very satisfactory. 

Fendick. Most satisfactory, I thought. Sir 
Daniel. 

Sir D. You rely chiefly upon the evidence of 
this concierge, I see. He is perfectly clear in his 
remembrance of Miss Hindemarsh? 

Fendick. Perfectly clear. 

Sir D. (taking up a photograph). And from 
this photograph of Mrs. Dane, which, by the way, 
is a very good one 

Fendick. Taken by my partner, Burton. 

Sir D. He is prepared to swear that Mrs. Dane 
is not Miss Hindemarsh ? 

Fendick. Yes, Sir Daniel. 

Sir D. Have you sent Mrs. Bulsom-Porter a 
copy of this evidence ? 

Fendick. No, Sir Daniel. When I called on 
her the other day, after seeing you at Lady East- 
ney's, she rowed me like a pickpocket 

SirD. What for? 

Fendick. She said she'd sent me to Vienna to 
procure evidence of Mrs. Dane's guilt, instead of 



ACT III MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 8i 

which Fd gone and proved her innocent, with 
other remarks quite infra, dig. to me and my 
character. 

Sir D. The woman must be mad ! 

Fendick. That's what I say — mad on the 
rampage for social purity. 

Sir D. Fll see Mr. Bulsom-Porter and explain 
to him how the matter stands. 

Fendick. Then I may consider the job con- 
cluded so far as I am concerned ? 

Sir D. Yes, I think so. We know where to 
find you. 

Fendick. Fifty-four Buckingham Street. 
Telegraphic address, Sharpshot, London. Good- 
day to you, Sir Daniel. Good-day to you ma'am. 
Glad this little affair has ended so pleasantly for 
all parties. 

Mrs. D. Good-day, Mr. Fendick. Thank you 
for the trouble you have taken. 

Fendick. Don't name it, ma'am. I congratu- 
late you heartily, I assure you. {Exit right.) 

Sir D. You must let me congratulate you too. 

Mrs. D. You think it is all ended ? Fm free 
from this scandal at last ? 

Sir D. Yes. I have something to say to you. 

Mrs. D. Yes ? 

Sir D. Now that we may consider it over, I 
don't mind owning that at first I thought Mrs. 
Bulsom-Porter's tale was true. 

F 



82 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act hi 

Mrs. D. But you don't now ? ! You believe in 
me ? You think that I am worthy of Lionel ? 

Sir D. Yes, and it gives me the greatest pleas- 
ure, my dear Lucy, to welcome you into my family 
as my daughter. 

{He kisses her forehead. She bursts into 
a little fit of tears. ) 
Mrs. D. Oh ! I can't help it ! Don't look at 
me please. 

Sir D. Cry away! Cry away! I'll go into 
the next room and send a little note to Bulsom- 
Porter. Between us I daresay we can put it all 
straight. ( Exit righ t. ) 

Mrs. D. (Left alone, she clasps her hands in 
gratitude and breathes out) I thank Thee ! I 
thank Thee ! All my life shall show my gratitude ! 
(She continues sobbing. After some mo- 
ments Sir Daniel re-enters with an 
open sheet of note-paper on which he 
has begun to write a letter.) 
Sir D. By the way, my dear Lucy, I've been 

thinking 

{She turns round and he sees she is still 
crying.) 
Mrs. D. Isn't it foolish of me ? This horrible 
thing has been hanging over me for weeks, and 
the relief seems too great. There ! It's all over 
now! {Looks up at him radiantly.) Yes — 
you've been thinking — what ? 



ACT III MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 83 

Sir D. I've been thinking, Tawhampton is 
only six hours by rail 

Mrs. D. Well? 

Sir D. (taking up her statement from table). 
You lived there you say till you were fifteen ? 

Mrs. D. Yes, and then my father and mother 
took me to Canada. 

Sir D. You had no other home in your child- 
hood ? 

Mrs. D. No. 

Sir D. Have you been there since your return 
to England ? 

Mrs. D. No. It's an out-of-the-way place, 
and I've had no occasion to go. 

Sir D. Some of your childhood's friends must 
be living there still ? 

Mrs. D. Yes, I daresay. 

Sir D. You shall go down there to-morrow, 
and hunt up some of your old friends who remem- 
ber you as Lucy Allen. 

Mrs. D. Yes, that's a splendid idea. I hadn't 
thought of that. 

Sir D. Who were your nearest neighbours ? 

Mrs. D. There was Major Corfield ; Mrs. Gar- 
ton — of course, I was only a child when I left 
Tawhampton, and I didn't mix much with them. 

Sir D. Who were the best families in the 
neighbourhood ? 

Mrs. D. Lady Margaret Everden had a place 



84 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act iii 

a few miles off, but we only knew her slightly. 
(Cunningly) Suppose I'm not able to find any- 
body at Tawhampton who can positively identify 
me, you have still sufficient evidence to prove who 
I am? 

Sir D. I have no evidence whatever to prove 
who you are. I have Risby's and Fendick's evi- 
dence to prove that you are not Felicia Hinde- 
marsh. 

Mrs. D. Isn't that enough ? 

Sir D. Not if the matter comes into court. 
We shall then need evidence to prove that you are 
Lucy Dane, 7iee Allen, with a history that can be 
traced. 

Mrs. D. I see. This doesn't mean that I'm 
to be dragged all through this horrible scandal 
again ? 

Sir D. No. I think not. Bulsom-Porter is 
sure to meet the matter with an apology. Still, I 
think you should go to Tawhampton. 

Mrs. D. I'm quite willing. 

Sir D. Did you keep up any correspondence 
with anyone there after you left ? 

Mrs. D. Yes, for a little while, but it soon 
ceased. 

Sir D. Whom did you write to ? 

Mrs. D. The Mrs. Garton I spoke of was 
one 



ACT III MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 85 

Sir D. You don't know if she is living there 
still? 

Mrs. D. No. She was over sixty then 

Sir D. Do you remember anybody else ? (No 
reply.) I have a topographical dictionary some- 
where (looking along bookshelves). That might 
help us, if I can put my hands on it (going along 
the bookshelves; she watches him furtively and 
with great anxiety) . It used to be somewhere on 
these shelves. I wonder what has become of it 
(returning to his seat). Who was the parson of 
the place ? 

Mrs. D. There were several curates. Mr. 
Inskip ; he was a very stout little man with spec- 
tacles ; he would remember me, and Mr. Charles- 
worth 

Sir D. Have you any idea where either of 
them is to be found ? 

Mrs. D. No. 

Sir D. Who taught you? Did you go to 
school ? 

Mrs. D. No. We had governesses. 

Sir D. **We?" You say you were an only 
child. Who's "we?" 

Mrs. D. My cousin and I. 

Sir D. Your cousin ? ( Turns over the fools- 
cap sheets. ) Your cousin ? A girl ? 

Mrs. D. Yes. 



86 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act iii 

Sir D. (running hastily over the sheets). You 
haven't mentioned her. Where is she now ? 

Mrs. D. I don't know. She left Tawhampton 
before I did. 

Sir D. Where did she go ? 

Mrs. D. She took a situation as governess, I 
think. 

Sir D. Did she Hve with you in Tawhampton ? 

Mrs. D. No. Her father Hved in the village, 
and she used to come to our house to be taught. 

Sir D. {running over the notes). You haven't 
mentioned her father ? 

Mrs. D. No. I didn't see what he had to do 
with my story. He died before I left the village. 

Sir D. What was your cousin's name ? 

Mrs. D. {after a slight pause), Annie. 

Sir D. Annie what? 

Mrs. D. Annie Allen. 

Sir D. And you have completely lost sight of 
her? 

Mrs. D. Yes. 

Sir D. About the governesses — what were 
their names ? 

Mrs. D. Miss Fulks, Miss Longley, Miss 
Harrington 

Sir D. You don't know where either of them 
is now ? 

Mrs. D. No. Are there any other questions 
you wish to ask me ? 



ACT III MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 87 

Sir D. No. I think not. 

Mrs. D. Then I'll go back home and rest. 
My head is ready to split. Thank you for believ- 
ing in me. You know Lionel will be happy 
with me ? 

Sir D. I feel sure he will (going with her to 
the door, right. As he comes to the door his eye 
lights on volumes of the topographical diction- 
ary). Ah! Here's the very thing. 

Mrs. D. What ? 

Sir D. (faking a volume out of the shelf). 
Topographical dictionary of England and Wales 
(looking along the volumes). Volume two, 
Devonshire. Let's see what it has to say about 
Tawhampton. (Taking the volume to table and 
turning over the leaves — she watches him with 
great anxiety.) Devonshire — Devonshire — Taw- 
hampton — (reading from the hook). Tawhamp- 
ton is a parish and village — picturesquely situated 
— mid-division of the county — Wonford hundred 
— rural deanery of Crockenwell — Archdeaconry 
of Okestock. The church of Saint Andrew is a 
building in the Perpendicular style. The living is 
a vicarage, net yearly value £376, and has been 
held since eighteen-seventy-five by — (turns round 
on her, she shows great fright) by the Reverend 
Francis Hindemarsh ! Hindemarsh ? 

Mrs. D. He was my uncle. 

Sir D. Your uncle? 



88 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act in 

Mrs. D. Sir Daniel, I've done wrong, very 
wrong to hide from you that Felicia Hindemarsh 
was my cousin. 

Sir D. Felicia Hindemarsh was your cousin? 

Mrs. D. Can't you understand why I have 
hidden it ? The whole affair was so terrible ! I 
can't tell you how keenly I felt the disgrace, how 
keenly I feel it still. 

Sir D. But she was only your cousin. Surely 
there was no reason for you to hide it from Lionel 
and me. 

Mrs. D. I didn't intend to hide it from you. 
But I had always concealed it from everybody. 
And having once begun I was obliged to go on. 
Can't you understand ? 

{He doesn't reply. His face shows very 
grave concern, and he again zvalks up 
and down as if in perplexity as to what 
course he should take.) 

Mrs. D. (after a considerable pause). You're 
angry with me ? 

Sir D. Not angry. But grieved, deeply 
grieved that you hadn't the courage to tell me the 
truth. 

Mrs. D. I will now — ^the whole truth — indeed, 
I will. 

Sir D. (drily) . Yes. Perhaps it would be ad- 
visable. 



ACT III MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 89 

(He is still evidently distressed and an- 
noyed; at length goes up to writing- 
table, takes up the foolscap sheets, 
glances through them.) 

Sir D. Of course this puts the matter in a new- 
light. 

Mrs. D. How ? Fll tell Lionel. Promise me 
it sha'n't part us ! 

Sir D. There is no reason you should be parted 
because you happen to be the cousin of Felicia 
Hindemarsh. But 

Mrs. D. But what? 

Sir D. Why didn't you deal openly with us? 
See how Lionel loves you ! How he believes in 
you ! And I had grown to like you. I felt glad 
that you were going to be my daughter. Ah, why 
didn't you trust us ? 

Mrs. D. Oh, IVe done wrong, very wrong! 
Say that it sha'n't part us. You forgive me ? 

Sir D. (after pause offers his hand, which she 
takes eagerly) . I forgive you. But you wish me 
to clear you thoroughly from this slander ? 

Mrs. D. Yes, indeed. And you will ? 

Sir D. Yes. But understand, my dear Lucy, 
from this moment there must not be the faintest 
suspicion of trifling with the truth. Understand 
that most clearly. 

Mrs. D. I do. 



90 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act iii 

Sir D. Then we'll consider that episode closed, 
and we'll make a fresh start. 

Mrs. D. Yes, ask me anything you please. 
I'm only too anxious to help you in getting at the 
truth. 

Sir D. That ought not to be very difficult. 
(Seats himself in revolving chair at writing-table, 
takes a pen and occasionally makes notes of her 
answers.) Now, Felicia Hindemarsh was your 
cousin ? 

Mrs. D. Yes. 

Sir D. Her -father was the vicar of Tawhamp- 
ton? 

Mrs. D. Yes. 

Sir D. And your other cousin — Annie Allen? 

Mrs. D. I had no other cousin. When you 
asked what my cousin's name was I couldn't say 
''Felicia Hindemarsh," so I gave the first name I 
could think of. 

Sir D. Had you any other relatives in or near 
Tawhampton ? 

Mrs. D. No. 

Sir D. You were the only child of — {consult- 
ing foolscap sheets) of Robert and Sophia Allen? 

Mrs. D. Yes, my mother and her mother were 
sisters. 

Sir D. {reading from foolscap). Robert Allen, 
woollen manufacturer, Tawhampton. In eighty- 
seven, being in difficulties, he sold his business 



ACT III MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 91 

and went to Montreal. You, his only child, went 
with him, and five years later you married Charles 
Lewis Dane, surgeon, Montreal. You lived there 
till two years ago when your husband died, and a 
year ago you came back to England, and took up 
your residence at Winchester. 

Mrs. D. Yes. 

Sir D. There are, of course, people in Mont- 
real who knew you intimately as Mrs. Dane, and 
can identify you ? 

Mrs. D. Oh, yes, of course. 

Sir D. Will you please make me out a list of 
their names and addresses ? 

Mrs. D. Yes, certainly. Shall I do it now ? 

{Half rising to go.) 

Sir D. No, by-and-by will do. Now to go 
back to your cousin, Felicia Hindemarsh. You 
have no idea where she is now ? 

Mrs. D. Not the least. 

Sir D. When was the last time you saw her ? 

Mrs. D. When I left Tawhampton. 

Sir D. You haven't seen her since ? 

Mrs. D. No. Sir Daniel, I feel I could collect 
my thoug'hts much better if I were alone and had 
time to remember. I feel so confused 

Sir D. I'll try not to tax you, if you'll answer 
one or two simple questions. 

Mrs. D. Very well. You won't think I'm try- 



92 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act iii 

ing to deceive you if I don't remember every little 
fact? 

Sir D. You will remember all that I require to 
know. Felicia Hindemarsh was younger or older 
than you ? 

Mrs. D. a year younger. 

Sir D. Have you any portrait of her ? 

Mrs. D. No. 

Sir D. You kept up a correspondence with her 
when you left England ? 

Mrs. D. {after a little pause). Yes. 

Sir D. For how long ? 

Mrs. D. For some years, I think. 

Sir D. Have you any letter of hers ? 

Mrs. D. No. After the dreadful affair in 
Vienna I destroyed everything. 

Sir D. There would doubtless be persons in 
Tawhampton who would remember her, as well as 
you? 

Mrs. D. Oh, yes, I should think. We only 
lived there as girls, and perhaps people might not 
recollect sufficiently to be sure 

Sir D. When Felicia Hindemarsh left Taw- 
hampton, where did she go ? 

Mrs. D. I don't quite know. 

Sir D. But you had letters from her. Where 
did they come from ? 

Mrs. D. Let me think — it was some seaside 
place I think. (Pause.) 



ACT III MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 93 

Sir D. You don't remember ? 

Mrs. D. No. Fm getting so terribly mud- 
dled, I don't know what I'm saying. I — I — you 
frighten me ! 

Sir D. I frighten you ? 

{His manner throughout has been calm 
and kind but very firm.) 

Mrs. D. Yes. I know you're very kind, and 
that I've nothing to fear, but I feel — I feel as if I 
were being thumb-screwed, and if you ask me one 
more question I must shriek out for help. (A lit- 
tle pause.) I'm sure it would be better for me to 
go and write it all out when I'm alone (making 
a movement to go). Don't you think so? 

Sir D. {arresting her with a gesture). No. 

Mrs. D. I'm in such a state that I can't be sure 
I'm giving you the right answers. 

Sir D. {calm, stern). You must be sure you 
are giving me the right answers. Come, now, sit 
down, and {very kindly) remember that I have 
not a single interest at stake except what is yours 
and Lionel's. Remember that I have no hope or 
desire in this matter, except to clear you tri- 
umphantly in the eyes of the world, and give you 
to Lionel for his wife. Now don't get anxious 
or excited. We'll soon get this tiresome business 
over! 

Mrs. D. Oh, I know I'm foolish, and you have 
been so patient and kind. 



94 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act hi 

Sir D. This seaside place that FeUcia Hinde- 
marsh wrote from ? Was it north, south, east, or 
west ? 

Mrs. D. South, I think. 

Sir D. Portsmouth, Brighton, Hastings, East- 
bourne ? 

Mrs. D. Brighton, I think. 

Sir D. What was she doing there? (No 
reply.) You said your cousin was a governess ? 

Mrs. D. I think she was pupil teacher at a 
school. 

Sir D. {making a note). Good. That's a 
clue. 

Mrs. D. {showing great fright as he turns from 
her) . A clue to what ? 

Sir D. If Felicia Hindemarsh was a pupil 
teacher at a school on the south coast, we shall 
doubtless be able to find out where it was, and 
some one who remembers her. 

Mrs. D. Yes. Yes. But I hope I shall find 
somebody at Tawhampton to-morrow 

Sir D. Yes. By the way, Fm free to-morrow, 
I think I'll run down to Tawhampton with you ? 

Mrs. D. {feigniitg delight). Will you? That 
will be such a help to me. You can tell me ex- 
actly what kind of evidence you want, and you 
can be sure whether people are telling the truth. 

Sir D. Can I? (Looking at her.) 

Mrs. D. (looking at him with the utmost frank- 



ACT III MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 95 

ness). I know that I shouldn't Hke to tell you 
what was false. I should feel sure that you 
would very soon drag the truth out of me. See 
how quickly you forced me to tell you that Felicia 
Hindemarsh was my cousin. And I'm glad you 
did! I should never have been happy or com- 
fortable till I had told you and Lionel. Then you 
will go down to Tawhampton with me ? 

Sir D. (Has been keenly zvatching her.) If 
you don't mind. 

Mrs. D. I shall be delighted. I hope my head 
will be better, and that I shall be well enough 
to go. 

Sir D. I hope so. If not, I'll take a little 
journey there by myself. 

Mrs. D. Ye-es 

Sir D. Was your cousin anything like you ? 

Mrs. D. I think there was a likeness. I dare- 
say it was that which made Mr. Risby mistake me 
for her. 

Sir D. Possibly. But Mr. Fendick said the 
other day that you were not in the least like Felicia 
Hindemarsh. 

Mrs. D. Did he? But one person often sees 
a likeness where another sees none. What time 
shall we start for Tawhampton to-morrow ? 

Sir D. I'll look out the trains by-and-by. . . 
Then you never saw your cousin after childhood ? 



96 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act hi 

Mrs. D. No — I — I {suddenly breaks down), 
I can't bear it ! I can't bear it ! 

SirD. What? 

Mrs. D. Your questioning me as if I was 
guilty ! I feel you suspect me still. Tell me, do 
you trust me thoroughly? {He does not reply.) 
Ah, you see you do not answer ! — So be it. Make 
me out a list of the questions you want answered 
and I'll answer them. But I can endure this tor- 
ture no longer, {Going to door.) 

Sir D. Come, my dear Lucy, this won't do. 
{Takes her gently back.) We are here to get at 
the truth, aren't we? 

Mrs. D. Yes, and you must see how ready and 
willing I am to answer your questions — I'm very 
faint 

Sir D. I'll only keep you a moment. Now I 
am going to ask you one question. Think well 
before you reply, because all your happiness and 
Lionel's depend upon my receiving a correct 
answer. 

Mrs. D. Well?! 

Sir D. When was the last time you saw your 
cousin Felicia Hindemarsh? {A long pause.) 

Mrs. D. I'll tell you everything. 

Sir D. Go on. 

Mrs. D. I don't know what you'll think of me. 
I don't care. I'd almost rather everybody believed 



ACT III MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 97 

me guilty than suffer what I have done the last 
few weeks. It's horrible ! 

Sir D. When was the last time you saw Fe- 
licia Hindemarsh? 

Mrs. D. After the fearful scandal in Vienna 
she wrote to me in Montreal. She was desperate 
and begged us to shelter her. We had been like 
sisters, and I wrote to her to come out to us, and 
we would give her a home. 

Sir D. And you did? 

Mrs. D. Yes, till her death. 

Sir D. When was that? 

Mrs. D. About a year ago. 

Sir D. Where? (Pause.) 

Mrs. D. At Montreal. 

Sir D. She lived with you in Montreal — as 
Felicia Hindemarsh ? 

Mrs. D. No ; we called her Mrs. Allen. 

Sir D. Give me the names and addresses of 
those people who knew you in Montreal as Mrs. 
Dane, and her as Mrs. Allen. 

Mrs. D. ril wTite them out. Let me bring it 
to you this evening. What are you going to do 
with it ? 

Sir D. Fm going to prove that you are Lucy 
Dane — if you are Lucy Dane. 

(She looks at him.) 

Sir D. Does Risby know who you are ? 

Mrs, D. What do you mean ? 

G 



98 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act hi 

Sir D. Does Risby know who you are ? 

Mrs. D. Yes — ^he knows that I am Mrs. Dane. 

Sir D. The cousin of FeUcia Hindemarsh. 

Mrs. D. {after a pause). Yes 

Sir D. You told Risby, a mere acquaintance, 
that Felicia Hindemarsh was your cousin, and you 
didn't tell Lionel, you didn't tell me ? 

Mrs. D. I — I (she looks at him). I — oh 

— ril answer you no more. Believe what you 
please of me ! I want no more of your help ! Let 
me go! 

Sir D. {stopping her). How much does Risby 
know? 

Mrs. D. Don't I tell you he knows I am Mrs. 
Dane? 

Sir D. Woman, you're lying ! 

Mrs. D. {Hashes out on him). How dare you? 
How dare you? {Stands confronting him.) 

Sir D. {looking straight at her). I say you're 
lying ! You are Felicia Hindemarsh ! 

{He looks at her steadily. Her eyes drop. 
She sinks on her knees before him, 
seizes his hand in sup plication, looks at 
him appealingly; he angrily withdraws 
his hand.) 

Mrs. D. Don't tell Lionel ! 

Sir D. {with a little laugh) . Not tell Lionel ? 

Mrs. D. {Dry, quiet voice.) I'm not a bad 



ACT III MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 99 

woman. You don't know. You wouldn't con- 
demn me if you knew all. 

Sir D. Tell me. 

Mrs. D. I'd been brought up in a village. I 
was a child in knowledge. I knew nothing of life, 
nothing of the world. Mr. Trent was very kind 
to me. He was rich and distinguished and flat- 
tered me by his notice. And I — oh, why didn't 
somebody warn me? Why did they keep me 
ignorant ? I didn't even love him, not in that way 
— not as I love Lionel. I tell you I knew nothing ! 
Nothing ! Till it was too late ! You believe me, 
don't you ? 

Sir D. Tell me all. 

Mrs. D. I hated myself. I should have hated 
him, but he was very kind. It went on till all 
was discovered. His wife killed herself. He 
was frantic with grief and went out of his mind. 
I thought I'd kill myself — I did buy the poison — 
but I hadn't the courage. My cousin Lucy was 
living in Montreal. She was an angel — she took 
me into her home and gave out that I was a widow. 
My child was born there. 

Sir D. There was a child? 

Mrs. D. Yes. 

Sir D. Is it living? 

Mrs. D. Yes. 

SirD. Where is it? 

Mrs. D. In North Devon, with an old servant 



f.af 



100 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act hi 

of ours. I see him every month. He's the sweet- 
est boy, and I love him so much — next to Lionel. 
He'll never be any trouble — or disgrace. Now 
you know everything. I'm not a bad woman. 

Sir D. I'm sorry for you, believe me, very 
sorry. But why did you wade through all that 
morass of lies and deceit ? Why didn't you have 
the courage to tell me the truth ? 

Mrs. D. Because I felt that you would part me 
from Lionel. If you loved a woman as I love 
him, wouldn't you tell lies, wouldn't you dare 
anything, to keep her? You know you would! 
You know you would ! And so did I, and I'd do 
it again. You won't tell Lionel ? 

Sir D. He must be told. And this marriage 
must be broken off. 

Mrs. D. Why? Nobody need know. Mr. 
Risby won't betray me. The detective can't. I've 
paid him and he daren't. You won't tell Lionel ? 

Sir D. He must be told. 

Mrs. D. It can be hushed up. I'll make him 
such a good wife. Give me this one chance — 
don't tell him. Give me this one chance ! 

Sir D. He must be told. 

Enter Lionel at door, very excited. 

Lal. Lucy, I went for the keys ; they weren't 
there. The escritoire was locked. Just as I was 



ACT III MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE loi 

coming away Risby came up with a note for you. 
While he was talking at the door with the maid, 
she said something about his having called upon 
you this morning before lunch. Was that so? 
You met him here as if you hadn't seen him. I 
couldn't understand it — I've been questioning him 
all this time, but he only puts me off. He says I 

must ask you 

Mrs. D. (to Sir Daniel). Tell him. 

Enter Lady Eastney. 

Lady E. Well, how is it going? Have you 
got all the evidence you want ? 

Mrs. D. Will you come home with me? I 
wish to speak to you. 

Lady E. What's the matter ? 
Mrs. D. Come home with me. 
Lady E. What has happened ? 
Mrs. D. I want a friend. Don't be hard on 
me ! Don't be hard on me ! 

(Exit Mrs. Dane, right, followed by 
Lady Eastney. Lionel is going 
after them. Sir Daniel snatches his 
arm, and holds him firmly.) 

curtain 



ACT IV 

Scene — The same as Act III. Time, the following 
Saturday evening. Windows open. Discover Lal, very 
haggard and restless, walking up and down. Enter 
Wilson at door, goes over to window, stops. 

Wilson. Sir Daniel has finished dinner, sir. 

(No reply.) 
(Exit Wilson at window, returns in a 
few moments bringing in a rug and a 
light garden chair, which he leaves in 
the bow of window; he folds the rug 
and places it on arm of sofa.) 
Shall I keep any dinner for you, sir ? 
Lal. Eh — no thank you, Wilson. 

(Exit Wilson at door. Lal comes down 
to sofa and sits in a despairing atti- 
tude. ) 

Enter Janet at door in evening dress — at first she 
does not see him. 

Janet. I beg pardon. 

102 



ACT IV MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 103 

Lal. Janet — you wish to see my father? 

Janet. No, I've just left him. Auntie and I 
have been dining here. 

Lal. Oh yes. I'd forgotten. 

Janet. We wondered what had become of 
you. Why didn't you come in to dinner ? 

Lal. Fm not fit for any company but my own. 

Janet. Sir Daniel and Auntie are taking 
coffee in the veranda. Won't you come and join 
them? 

Lal. I'd rather not. Please don't take any 
notice of me. 

{She is going off at door — he sits down 
again in despair — she suddenly stops; 
comes back to him. ) 

Janet. Mr. Carteret, I don't know what has 
happened. But I can see there's something the 
matter with you. Perhaps you've had a great sor- 
row. Well, you'll pull yourself together and be a 
man. It'll tak you all your time, I've nae doubt, 
but youVe just got to do it, d'ye understand ? 

Lal. I'll try. 

Janet. And you needn't think that you're the 
only poor body on earth that's badly used. For if 
ye did but know there's many a man, and many 
a wee bit of a woman that has just as thankless a 
lot as yours. So I'd not be wasting too much pity 
on myself if I were you. 

Lal. I won't, Janet. 



104 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act iv 

Janet. And if you've lost one friend, perhaps 
that may be the very means of showing you the 
value of them that are left. 

Enter Lady Eastney, at door, in dinner dress. 

Janet. I've just been giving him the very best 
advice in the world. {Goes to window,) 

Lady E. How d'ye do, Lionel ? 

Lal. How d'ye do. Lady Eastney ? 

Lady E. {comes very tenderly and sympathet- 
ically to him, takes both hands of his in hers, looks 
at him, shakes her head at him). No sleep again ? 
No appetite ? 

Lal. {withdraws his hands). I can't eat. 
And I feel I shall never sleep again. 

Lady E. Your father is grieving very much 
about you. 

Lal. I'm sorry, for there never was anybody 
less worth grieving about than I am. 

Lady E. Go to him. Try and eat something 
just to please him. 

Lal. It would choke me. Don't bother any 
more about me. Lady Eastney. I daresay I shall 
get over it by the time I'm dead. 

{Going off at window.) 

Lady E. Lionel ! {He stops. In a low tone) 
You've not seen her since 

Lal. No, I've kept my word, and broken my 



ACT IV MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 105 

heart. I heard the clock chime every quarter of 
an hour last night. I feel I should like to lie at 
the bottom of the river to-night where I couldn't 
hear it. (Going off at window.) 

Lady E. Lionel, where are you going? 

Lal. Does it matter where I go, or what be- 
comes of me ? 

Janet (trying to stop him). Mr. Carteret 

Lal. Let me be, Janet ! 

(Going off at window.) 

Lady E. Lionel ! you won't do anything rash ? 

Lal (at zvindozv). You needn't fear I shall 
kill myself. I'm too much of a coward. But — 
tell my father I can keep my promise no longer. 
I'm going across to her. (Exit at window. ) 

Janet (bursts into tears and throws her arms 
around Lady Eastney's neck). Auntie, I can 
just bear it no longer ! My heart will break ! Let 
Mrs. Patterson take me away — anything — any- 
thing — so that I can be at work and forget ! 

Lady E. Hush, hush, my dickey! You 
mustn't be a coward ! 

Enter Sir Daniel at door. Janet dries her tears. 

Lady E. There ! There's a brave Janet. 
Janet. I'm just a poor silly body that ought to 
know better ! 

(Sir Daniel passes his hand caressingly 
over her head.) 



io6 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act iv 

Lady E. Janet, would you go home and look 
in my dressing-table? You'll find a sleeping 
powder in the second drawer 

Janet. Yes, I know. 

Lady E. Bring it to me here. 

Janet. Yes, Auntie. (Exit, right) 

Lady E. We must manage to give Lionel a 
little sleep to-night. He's nearly distracted for 
want of it. 

Sir D. Poor boy! I'm rather glad he has 
taken it so violently. 

Lady E. Why ? 

Sir D. It means that in six months it will be 
out of his system. 

Lady E. It's a genuine love. Don't you think 
it will last ? 

Sir D. a few months. But even if it goes 
deeper than I think it does, it must be broken off. 

Lady E. Why? Nobody except ourselves 
need know that this story is true. 

Sir D. The Bulsom-Porters know it — ^the 
whole neighbourhood must know it before long. 

Lady E. The Bulsom-Porters think that Mr. 
Risby was really mistaken. The Canon has them 
to dinner to-night, and he's doing his best to get 
her to sign the apology you drew up. 

Sir D. We can't ask Mrs. Bulsom-Porter for 
an apology now ! 

Lady E. Indeed we can. Whatever happens 



ACT IV MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 107 

to Mrs. Dane, rm quite determined Mrs. Bulsom- 
Porter shall make a handsome apology, and every- 
body shall know it; then I don't think the story 
will ever be repeated. 

Sir D. And will Mrs. Dane continue to live 
in Sunningwater ? 

Lady E. She's quite willing to do whatever 
you and Lionel wish. I've been with her all the 
afternoon. Oh, the pearls of wisdom and good 
advice that dropped from this small mouth ! And 
I felt myself such a transcendent humbug all the 
while ! 

SirD. Why? 

Lady E. Aren't we all humbugs ? Isn't it all 
a sham ? Don't we all have one code on our lips 
and another in our hearts, one set of rules to ad- 
monish our neighbours, and another to guide our 
own conduct? Why should I lecture that poor 
woman on her duty to Society? Why should I 
take her name off my visiting list, and pretend 
that I can't know her ? 

Sir D. Because you're a virtuous woman, and 
she's not. 

Lady E. That's true — as it happens — and so 
far as it goes. Small credit to me ! I wasn't in 
her place — I didn't meet with her temptations — 
and if I had I should have been cold-hearted 
enough, or cunning enough to resist. 

Sir D. Very well. That's all a man can ask ; 



io8 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act ly 

the temperament — call it virtue or cunning — that 
resists. 

Lady E. Not a pretty kind of cunning, that ! 
And sometimes the man gets the other kind of 
cunning — the cunning that conceals ! 

Sir D. Very well. We can't help ourselves. 
But at any rate the outside of the platter must be 
clean. 

Lady E. Oh, aren't you Pharisees and tyrants, 
all of you? And don't you make cowards and 
hypocrites of all of us? Don't you lead us into 
sin, and then condemn us for it ? Aren't you first 
our partners, and then our judges? 

Sir D. The rules of the game are severe. If 
you don't like them, leave the sport alone. They 
will never be altered. 

Lady E. But where's the justice of the whole 
business ? Here is this poor woman whom Lionel 
loves, and who loves Lionel with all her heart — 
why shouldn't he marry her? 

Sir D. If he were your son would you wish 
him to marry her ? Would you wish all his after- 
life to be poisoned by the thought that she had 
deceived him, that she had belonged to another 
man, and that man and his child still living? 
Wouldn't you wish your boy to have the love of a 
girl who could give him all herself? Do, for 
heaven's sake, let us get rid of all this sentimental 
cant and sophistry about this woman-business 



ACT IV MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 109 

(unconsciously getting very heated), A man de- 
mands the treasure of a woman's purest love. It's 
what he buys and pays for with the strength of his 
arm and the sweat of his brow. It's the condition 
on which he makes her his wife and fights the 
world for her and his children. It's his fiercest in- 
stinct, and he does well to guard it; for it's the 
very mainspring of a nation's health and sound- 
ness. And whatever I've done, whatever I've 
been myself, I'm quite resolved my son sha'n't 
marry another man's mistress. There's the plain 
sense of the whole matter, so let us have no more 
talk about patching up things that ought not to be 
patched up, that can't be patched up, and that 
sha'n't be patched up if I can stop them from being 
patched up ! 

Lady E. (Looks at him very much amused.) 
1 wouldn't get into a temper about it if I were 
you. 

Sir D. Am I in a temper ? Pray forgive me. 

Lady E. I rather like you in a temper. It 
shows me that if I marry you, you'd be my master. 

Sir D. Let me assure you I'd try. Will you 
take me ? 

Lady E. Couldn't you manage to put a little 
of the fervour you waste on social ethics into your 
love-making ? 

Sir D. I'll try. Will you take me ? 



no MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act iv 

Lady E. {pauses, looks at him merrily). I'm 
really half inclined 

Enter Wilson at door. 

Wilson. Canon Bonsey would like to speak to 

you for a moment, Sir Daniel. 

Sir D. Show him in. (£;ireV Wilson.) 

Lady E. He has come from the Bulsom- 

Porters. Now remember that we can't go back 

from the position we have taken up — ^the fullest 

apology. 

Enter Wilson showing in Canon Bonsey. 
Wilson {announcing) . Canon Bonsey. 

Enter Canon. Exit Wilson. 

Canon. How d'ye do, Sir Daniel ? How d'ye 
do. Lady Eastney ? 

Lady E. {shaking hands). How d'ye do. 
Canon ? 

Canon {making a wry face). I've had the 
Bulsom-Porters to dinner. And seeing that 
Bulsom-Porter knows a glass of good wine I felt 
bound to bring out my elegant eighty-nine Ayala 
and my sixty-three port. I cannot imagine a 
more unworthy ofiBce for either vintage than that 
of assisting Mrs. Bulsom-Porter's digestion. 
However, I've persuaded her to go home and fetch 



ACT IV MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE in 

the apology you drew up last Wednesday, 
They're coming on here, and I think, with a little 
judicious handling, we shall persuade the lady to 
sign it. Don't I hear voices? (Goes to the win- 
dozv.) They're coming. Eh? (looks very grave 
and shocked) . They're quarreling in the lane. I 
heard an ejaculation from Bulsom-Porter which 
ill accords with the sylvan beauty of the scene. 
What ? ! (Exit quickly at window.) 

Sir D. Take care how you work this apology 
business. Suppose Mrs. Bulsom-Porter finds out 
that we know Mrs. Dane is an impostor ? 

Lady E. We don't know it. Mr. Risby and 
the detective say she isn't. I intend that Mrs. 
Dane shall leave this place, if she does leave it, 
without a stain on her character. And I intend 
that Mrs. Bulsom-Porter shall stay in it, if she 
does stay in it, as a self-confessed scandal-monger. 

Sir D. But I can't exact an apology 

Lady E. (very iirmly) . I can ! Hush ! 

(As the Canon appears at window.) 

Canon enters at window leading in Mrs. Bulsom- 
Porter very carefully. Bulsom-Porter fol- 
lows. Bulsom-Porter and j\Irs. Bulsom- 
Porter are evidently in a bad temper with each 
other. 

Canon. Take care of the window-threshold. 



112 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act iv 

Perhaps Sir Daniel will excuse us entering this 
way? 

Sir D. Certainly. {To Mrs. Bulsom-Por- 
TER^ shaking hands) How d'ye do? 

Mrs. Bul.-P. How d'ye do, Sir Daniel? 
Sir D. How d'ye do ? 

{To Bulsom-Porter. Bulsom-Porter 
says nothing, but shakes hands, 
glances at Mrs. Bulsom-Porter. 
Sir Daniel gives a sympathetic hand- 
shake behind the back of Mrs. Bul- 
som-Porter, who is exchanging a con- 
strained bow with Lady Eastney.) 
Canon {to Mrs. Bulsom-Porter). Did you 
bring the paper ? 

Mrs. Bul.-P. {produces the paper that Sir 
Daniel has given her at the end of Act II). I 
shall not sign this. 

Canon {taken aback). But, my dear lady, I 
understood you at dinner to say that you would 
sign it. 

Mrs. Bul.-P. . Yes. But since dinner, Mr. 
Bulsom-Porter has chosen to use such dreadful 
language to me, that I must first of all insist upon 
an apology from him. 

(Canon turns helplessly to Bulsom-Porter.) 
BuL.-P. Tell her to kindly send in a form to 
Rawlinson, my lawyer, and I'll sign it. 

Canon. Hush! {Turns to Mrs. Bulsom- 



ACT IV MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 113 

Porter.) Mr. Bulsom-Porter is only too 
anxious to withdraw his language to you, as I am 
sure you are only too anxious to withdraw your 
allegations against Mrs. Dane. 

Mrs. Bul.-P. I object to the word ''allega- 
tions." I made certain statements 

Canon. ''Statements," by all means. Which 
you are anxious to withdraw. 

Mrs. Bul.-P. I object to the word "with- 
draw." 

Canon. Which you will not repeat. 

Mrs. Bul.-P. Which will not be repeated. 
The word "apologize" is used in this paper. I 
cannot apologize to Mrs. Dane. I would rather 
go to gaol. 

(Canon goes to Bulsom-Porter.) 

Bul.-P. (m a low tone, hut sufficiently loud for 
his wife to hear). Kindly arrange a settlement 
on that basis. 

Canon (tries to sooth her). Hush! (To 
Mrs. Bulsom-Porter). You will not apologize. 
I suppose you would not mind expressing your 
regret ? 

Mrs. Bul.-P. I do not mind some slight ex- 
pression of regret, but I will never apologize. 

Canon (helpless). Sir Daniel, what do you 
advise under the circumstances ? 

Sir D. (looks at Lady Eastney). Well, I — 



H 



114 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act iv 

Lady E. Mrs. Bulsom- Porter, will you please 
allow me to look at that paper? (Mrs. Bulsom- 
PoRTER gives paper to Lady Eastney_, who reads 
it. Canon, Sir Daniel, and Bulsom-Porter 
talk apart. 

Lady E. (having read). I'm surprised! 

Mrs. Bul.-P. At what? 

Lady E. At Sir Daniel's moderation. (Sir 
Daniel makes a face.) I don't think you quite 
realize the very awkward position you are in. 

Mrs. Bul.-P. How ? 

Lady E. (to Bulsom-Porter). You thor- 
oughly approve of this ? 

BuL.-P. Most certainly. 

Lady E. Sir Daniel, what would happen if Mr. 
Bulsom-Porter were to instruct his lawyer to offer 
his own apologies to Mrs. Dane, at the same time 
declaring that he wouldn't hold himself respon- 
sible for what Mrs. Bulsom-Porter does or says? 

Sir D. Well, a — I scarcely know. 

Mrs. Bul.-P. I shall not be bound by my hus- 
band's actions. 

Lady E. Isn't it whether he will be bound by 
yours ? The only question is as to how far Mr. 
Bulsom-Porter is prepared to go 

BuL.-P. My dear Lady Eastney, I am pre- 
pared to go to any lengths. I will oft'er Mrs. 
Dane the most abject apology on my knees, and I 



ACT IV MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 115 

will allow her lawyer to dictate it in any terms, 
and make any use of it that he pleases. 

Lady E. I think that will meet our views, Sir 
Daniel ? 

Sir D. Yes, yes. I think so 

Lady E. Mrs. Dane will then bring her action 
against Mrs. Bulsom-Porter ? 

Sir D. Yes, I suppose so 

Mrs. Bul.-P. Action against me ? ! 

Lady E. And call Mr. Bulsom-Porter for a 
witness 

Mrs. Bul.-P. What? My husband will not 
dare 

BUL.-P. My dear, I shall ! 

Lady E. I suppose there is no doubt whatever 
of the effect upon the jury, Sir Daniel? 

Sir D. None whatever, I should say — or upon 
the judge. 

Lady E. {to Mrs. Bulsom-Porter). Don't 
you see what a very awkward position you are in ? 
Mr. Bulsom-Porter, will you step across to Mrs. 
Dane's with me at once ? 

BUL.-P. Delighted. 

Lady E. {to Bulsom-Porter). My cloak is 
in the next room. {Going oif at door.) 

Mrs. Bul.-P. One moment! I do not object 
to sign this if Sir Daniel will remove the word 
"apology." 

Lady E. It must be signed exactly as it stands. 



ii6 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act iv 

Mrs. Bul.-P. No! I will do anything that 
Sir Daniel may require, but I will never apologize. 

Lady E. Now, Mr. Bulsom- Porter 

Mrs. Bul.-P. One moment, please. (Very 
long pause.) Sir Daniel, if I had to sign this — 
agreement, where should I have to put my name ? 

Sir D. (pointing). There. 

Lady E. (takes up a pen from writing-table). 
Do you like a broad nib ? Or a quill ? 

Mrs. Bul.-P. Neither. 

Lady E. (takes up another). This seems a 
nice one. 

(Mrs. Bulsom-Porter takes it after 
great hesitation, at last dashes off the 
signature and bursts into a fit of hys- 
terical tears.) 

Lady E. (offering pen). Canon will you sign 
as witness ? 

Canon. Certainly. (Signs.) 

Lady E. And I will put my autograph, and 
then the interesting document will be complete. 

(Signs.) 

Canon. And peace will be restored to my dis- 
tracted parish. 

Mrs. Bul.-P. (getting more and more hysteri- 
cal). If any future question arises, I wish it to 
be distinctly understood that my signature was 
forced from me, against my will, and under 
threats from my husband — and — I'm quite sure 



ACT IV MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 117 

Jim Risby knows something dreadful about that 
woman — and if my husband had the least sense 
of what was due to his wife — I — understand — I 
do not apologize. I have not, and I never will 
apologize, and, oh — {to Bulsom-Porter). Let 
me pass, sir ! 

{Exit in hysterics at the window. Pause.) 

BuL.-P. {very quietly'). It's my silver wedding 
on the twentieth of next month. 

Canon {to Bulsom-Porter). Mrs. Bulsom- 
Porter seemed very much upset. Oughtn't one of 
us attend her home ? 

BuL.-P. Well, perhaps, you will. 
(Canon goes up to window — stops, comes hack.) 

Canon. Perhaps we had better both go. Are 
you ready ? 

BuL.-P. {shrugs his shoulder). I shall be 
there before Mrs. Bulsom-Porter has recovered. 
Good-night, Sir Daniel. My very best thanks. 
Good-night, my dear Lady Eastney, you have 
saved me from a law-suit and a thousand pounds 
damages. 

Lady E. Don't mention it. Good-night. 

BuL.-P. Now, Canon! 

{Goes to window, takes out cigar and 
lights it at window. ) 

Canon. Good-night, Sir Daniel. 
Sir D. Good-night, my dear Canon. 



ii8 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act iv 

Canon. Good-night, dear Lady Eastney. 

Lady E. (shaking hands). Good-night, 
Canon. 

Canon. Give my kindest regards to Mrs. 
Dane. Of course she will take the stall at the 
bazaar. And I'll bring the Duchess to call upon 
her one day next week. 

(Exit after Bulsom-Porter at window.) 

Sir D. Did you hear that ? 

Lady E. Yes. I must persuade Mrs. Dane to 
go away for a few months. 

Sir D. And then ? 

Lady E. I do want to save Mrs. Dane. How 
can I? 

Sir D. Impossible. The thing can't be 
patched up. It ought not to be patched up. 

Lady E. What is to be done ? 

Sir D. We must get Lai away from her ; take 
him out to Egypt; give him some work; throw 
him into young society, and trust to time and his 
healthy instincts to bring him round. 

Lady E. I suppose you are right. But in any 
case I'll give Mrs. Dane this certificate of char- 
acter from Mrs. Bulsom-Porter. 

(Taking up the paper which Mrs. Bul- 
som-Porter has signed). 

Enter Janet at door with evening cloak over her 
dress. 



ACT IV MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 119 

Janet. Here's the sleeping powder, Auntie. 
Will you be coming home now ? 

(Lady Eastney takes sleeping powder.) 

Lady E. In a little while, darling (passing her 
hand caressingly over Janet's forehead). Why, 
how hot and feverish your forehead is. Go and 
sit under the cedars till I'm ready. 

{Taking Janet towards window; they 
both stop; Janet hides her head on 
Lady Eastney's shoulders; Lady 
Eastney takes her off at door as Lal 
enters at window.) 

Lal. I've broken my word. I've seen her. 
I've asked her to come over here and see you. 
You won't refuse to receive her? 

Sir D. No. I wish to see her. 

Lal. I'll fetch her {Going off.) 

Sir D. Stay. Lal, this must end. You must 
give her up. 

Lal. I can't! I won't! Why should I? 
She was sinned against, not sinning. She was 
ignorant! She knew no better! 

Sir D. Get rid of that sorry cant, my lad. 
Every girl of fifteen knows black from white, 
knows her right hand from her left, knows that if 
she lets some plausible scoundrel rob her of her 
jewel, she'll by-and-by come a beggared bride to a 
cheated bridegroom ! 



I20 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act iv 

Lal. I don't care ! I love her ! And I shall 
never be happy v^ith anybody else. 

Sir D. Do you think you'll be happy with her 
when the first burst of passion is over ? Don't you 
think you'll begin to remember that she has de- 
ceived you, hoodwinked you, that her lover is now 
living, that his child is now living. Remember! 
You haven't had all her love ! She loved and gave 

herself away before she knew you 

(Lal_, mad with resentment, raises both 
arms as if he would strike Sir Dan- 
iel.) 

Sir D. Ah! that stabs you, does it? Don't 
you think that same thought will come and stab 
you continually ? Say in a few years some good- 
looking friend comes along and is civil to her. 
She's civil to him. You'll begin to wonder how 
far it has gone ; you'll remember that she can de- 
ceive ; you won't be sure ; you'll question her ; she'll 
reassure you ; she'll swear and re-swear and swear 
again, but you'll never be certain; you may be 

wronging her but she may be wronging you. 

You'll never know. All that you'll know is, "She 
can lie ; she lied to me ; she lied to my father ; she 
lied to all of us ; she lied, and lied, and lied, — is 
she lying to me now ?" And you'll never know. 
Your life will be a very hell to you. 

Lal. So be it! Hell with her, rather than 
heaven with any other woman ! 



ACT IV MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 121 

Sir D. Nonsense! Pull yourself together! 
Put all your heart and soul into your work. 
You'll have an awful three months, an awful six 
months perhaps. But you'll conquer yourself. 
You'll be a better and stronger and braver man all 
your life for it. Love isn't the only thing on 
earth. It oughtn't always to be the first 

Lal. Ah, you can talk! You've never been 
in love. 

SirD. You think that? 

Lal. You've never loved a woman as I love 
her and then had to give her up. 

Sir D. {very tenderly and impressively) . My 
boy, I loved one woman when you were a child — 
ah, I did love her — you don't know what love is, 
if you compare your hot boyish passion of a few 
weeks with my deep love of years — there's no 
comparing love, I gave her up ; we gave each 
other up ; it broke our hearts but we did it — her 
son doesn't blush when he remembers her — you 
and I have stood by her grave together 

Lal {startled). Sir! 

{Looks at Sir Daniel.) 

Sir D. Do you think I'd deny her son any- 
thing? Don't you think I'd give all I have in the 
world to make him happy ? And when I ask him 
to renounce an unworthy love, a love that will by- 
and-by bring him to misery — (a cry of anguish 
from Lal). You'll do it, Lal! I'm not asking 



122 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act iv 

you to do what I haven't done myself! You'll 
doit? 
•Lal. Yes, sir. 

(A warm handshake. Mrs. Dane ap- 
pears at the window with a face of 
despair. She is unseen by Lal, hut 
Sir Daniel sees her and makes her a 
motion; she withdraws). 
Sir D. Let me say good-bye for you. 
Lal. Mustn't I see her ? 
Sir D. It will be better not. 
Lal. You'll be very kind to her ? 
Sir D. She shall find me the truest and best of 
friends to her and her child. Go into the other 
room — Lady Eastney is there. I think she has 
something for you. 

Lal. Be very gentle to her 

(Sir Daniel reassures him with a look 
and a grasp of the hand. Exit Lal at 
door.) 

Sir Daniel goes to window. Mrs. Dane enters. 

Sir D. What have you heard ? 

Mrs. D. Enough. You mean to part us then ? 

Sir D. It is not I who will part you. 

Mrs. D. Who will, then? 

Sir D. Yourself. You wish him to be happy ? 

Mrs. D. I have no other wish in the world. 

Sir D. I believe that If you hold up your fin- 



ACT IV MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 123 

ger and beckon him he will come to you from i:he 
end of the world and marry you. 

Mrs. D. (delighted). Ah! * 

Sir D. What does that mean? He is on the 
threshold of a fine career; devoted to his work, 
with a large circle of friends. If you become his 
wife, will you tell them your history ? They will 
all fall away from you. Will you hide it ? That's 
impossible. He loves you now, but in a few years' 
time — dare you put his love to such a test ? Dare 
you marry him knowing that day by day he must 
help you deceive till disclosure comes; and then, 
day by day, he must endure social isolation with 
you, disorder and failure in his career for you — 
dare you marry him? Will it be for your own 
happiness ? 

Mrs. D. My happiness ! What does that mat- 
ter ? Tell me what is best for him ? 

Sir D. Don't you know what is best for him ? 

(A long pause.) 

Mrs. D. So be it ! Say "Good-bye" to him 
for me. 

Enter Lady Eastney at door, bringing cloak on 
her arm. 

Lady E. Fve something for you. 

(Taking the paper from her pocket, and 
giving it to Mrs. Dane.) 



124 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act iv 

Mrs. D. (takes the paper, reads it, smiles very 
bitterly). Thank you. 

Lady E. What have you decided to do ? 

Mrs. D. I'm going to Devonshire to-morrov/. 
I shall make a long stay there. I sha'n't let him 
know where I am. How is he now ? 

Lady E. He's quieter. I've persuaded him to 
take a mouthful of food and some wine. I put a 
strong sleeping powder in the wine, so he'll sleep 
to-night, poor fellow. 

Mrs. D. He'll sleep to-night, poor fellow. 
Tell him about my going away when you think he 
can bear it. I needn't stay, need I ? Thank you 
for this — (referring to paper) but what's the use 
of it? 

Lady E. Mrs. Bulsom-Porter daren't attack 
your reputation now. 

Mrs. D. Reputation ? Reputation isn't much, 
is it, when love has gone. Don't think I'm un- 
grateful to you — (tearing it) but I sha'n't trouble 
to defend my reputation. Good-bye, Sir Daniel. 
Don't you think the world is very hard on a 
woman ? 

Sir D. It isn't the world that's hard. It isn't 
men and women. Am I hard ? Call on me at any 
time, and you shall find me the truest friend to you 
and yours. Is Lady Eastney hard? She has 
been fighting all the week to save you. 



ACT IV MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 125 

Mrs. D. Then who is it, what is it, drives me 
out? 

Sir D. The law, the hard law that we didn't 
make, that we would break if we could, for we are 
all sinners at heart — the law that is above us all, 
made for us all, that we can't escape from, that 
we must keep or perish. 

Mrs. D. Won't it do if we pretend to keep it, 
and force our neighbours to keep it instead ? 

Sir D. Even that shows that we own the law. 

Mrs. D. Only we mustn't get found out. I'm 
afraid I've broken that part of the law. Good- 
bye, Sir Daniel. 

Sir D. I'll see you across to your home. 

Mrs. D. No, I'd rather you didn't. Just put 
me outside your palings and then I'll find my way. 
Good-bye, Lady Eastney. 

Lady E. Good-bye (shaking hands warmly). 
Write to me. Tell me how you are. Will you ? 
I shall be pleased to hear. 

Mrs. D. If ever I come here again, will you 
receive me ? 

Lady E. (after a pause). If you call, I shall 
be at home. 

Mrs. D. God bless you ! Now Sir Daniel you 
shall see me outside the palings — no further. 

(Sir Daniel picks up his summer hat 
which is lying on chair at back. ) 

Mrs. D. I shall see my child to-morrow. 



126 MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE act iv 

(Exit at window followed by Sir Daniel. 
Lady Eastney goes up to windozv. 
Enter Lal at door looking very much 
quieter but rather bewildered as if 
under the influence of a sleeping 
draught.) 
Lal. Well? 
Lady E. How tired you look ! 

(Takes him to sofa.) 
Lal. Well? (Sits on sofa.) I shall get over 
this you know. 

Lady E. I'm sure you will. 

Lal. Father is right. I shall go out to Sir 

Robert and get on with this railway and then 

I 

(He shows symptoms of sleepiness. 
Lady Eastney watches him a mo- 
ment and then goes to window. He 
lies on sofa, a distant church clock 
chimes, and strikes eleven. Sir Dan- 
iel re-enters at window, and they 
come to Lal. They stand watching 
him. ) 
Sir D. We'll take him off to Egypt— you'll 
come and bring Janet? 

Lady E. (nods). It's getting late. Where is 
Janet? (Calls indoors.) Janet! Janet! Janet! 
I suppose she has gone, poor child. Will you take 
me home ? 



ACT IV MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE 127 

Sir D. Say that in a little while I shall not 
have to take you home. 

Lady E. I think I could feel at home with you. 
Sir D. Say that you are at home now. 
Lady E. (Takes his arm,) I am at home 
now. 

(Sir Daniel turns off the electric light. 
Exeunt at window. A little pause. 
Janet enters at door, comes up to Lal 
who is lying on the sofa in the moon- 
light; she looks at him, bends over him 
and kisses him. Curtain falls as she 
goes off at window,) 



so w 




-*"^o< 























\^. .^" 









Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
^^"* Treatment Date: April 2009 

A PreservationTechnologiej 

^*^ A WORLD LEADER IN COLLECTIONS PRESERVATIOI 

111 Thomson Park Drive 


















^ <u 



^ 



:* . '!>' 



t%.PA ,0^ ..'-^,-^0, ,^4> 



ff\^ 



^5?— ?r 



i.^.. 



H ^ 



